AS THE wind continues to howl and the rain pelts down, a team of dedicated workers are ensuring elderly and vulnerable members of our community are kept safe and warm during the harsh weather conditions.
From offering practical advice to a sympathetic ear, the team at Age UK Essex is a vital part of this year's Surviving Winter Appeal.
The appeal backed by the Essex Chronicle helps deliver vital aid such as an electric heater or a hot meal to the elderly to help them cope in the colder months.
Rowena Redfern, an information and advice officer for Age UK Essex, said: "We are the information and advice office, so essentially we're here to answer any questions people may have and point them in the right direction.
"A lot of the calls we receive are from people who are not receiving the right amount of benefits. We can go through all the information with them and make sure that they realise there is the help out there for them.
"A number of residents don't realise what they are entitled to so we work to help them with that.
"It's fantastic to be part of the Surviving Winter Appeal and what we really want to do is to raise awareness about being prepared for the harsher weather conditions.
"We're working really hard with local community groups and our service providers so the elderly residents know there is help available during the winter months. But also not to get caught out and to be prepared in advance."
And one of the ways residents are able to prepare is by signing up for one of Age UK Essex's warm packs or food packs.
Mrs Redfern added: "A lot of people get caught out in the colder months so by receiving one of our warm packs or food packs they'll be prepared for the cold and their cupboards will be stocked.
"When someone inquires about one of the packs we go through their details to make sure they're eligible and then we take down their details.
"The Red Cross will then deliver them out for us, which is fantastic as the recipient doesn't have to worry about getting to a pick-up spot."
Ann Wheaton, another of Age UK Essex's information officers, said: "We'd really urge anyone reading this who does struggle in the winter to get in touch.
"It's the people who don't call that we can't help.
"And even if it's not a warm pack they need we might be able to offer them other help and advice that they'd not even considered before."
To receive a warm pack or food pack from Age UK Essex, or any help and advice, call the team on 01245 346106.
