Swimmers who braved a 200m open water swim have raised £250 for Age UK Lincoln’s much-needed volunteer service.

The Boxing Day Dip, organised by Activities Away at South Hykeham, took place in water reaching temperatures of just five degrees Celsius last month.

Steve Poulton from Activities Away visited the charity’s Park Street Activity Centre on Thursday 22nd January to speak to some of the volunteers and find out how the money will improve the lives of older people.

The donation will be used to fund the charity’s free befriending service which offers someone to talk to over the phone or a home visit for people who are socially isolated.

Sam Hotson, Volunteer Co-ordinator, said the funds will help make a huge difference to people in and around Lincoln.

“Demand for our volunteer services is increasing year on year as people are living longer. A recent study shows that 2.9 million people aged 65 and over feel they have no-one to go to for help and support and 21 per cent said they felt forgotten as a result of this.*

“Last year alone our befriending volunteers visited 2,000 lonely people over 281 days; this money will help us to train more volunteers and cover travel costs for these vital visits. Thanks you so much to Activities Away and the swimmers who braved the open water.”

Steve Poulton said: “It was great to speak to some of the volunteers to hear first-hand how the free service helps so many older people in the area. We chose Age UK Lincoln as one of our charities for this year because of the work they do to help the growing number of older people in and around Lincoln. We all have older friends and relatives and we’re all getting older too, so the services Age UK Lincoln offers are needed more than ever.”

Age UK Lincoln’s Information and Advice service also helps people over 50 to claim benefits that they are entitled to, so they don’t have to choose between buying food or putting the heating on.

Find out more about Activities Away at http://www.activities-away.com/

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Age UK Lincoln is an independent charity which is part of the national Age UK network. Registered charity number 1078539.
• Age UK Lincoln celebrated its 55th anniversary on 7th June 2013.
• Age UK Lincoln’s aim is to enable people to lead full and active lives and stay safe and independent within their homes.
• The Activity Centre on Park Street, Lincoln is free to attend for people over 50 and doesn’t require membership. It offers activities such as language or art classes, dancing, computer skills, friendship clubs and the restaurant selling hot and cold food.
• The Activity Centre also offers free information and advice on issues such as finance, benefits, housing options and personal budgets.
• More information can be found at www.ageuk.org.uk/lincoln/

For media information please contact:
Sarah Howells
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
sarah@weareshootingstar.co.uk
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