Age UK gives five handy tips on how to help more than 20,000 over-70s self-isolate in Northampton

The charity Age UK is calling on the general public to support the 24,044 people aged over-70 in Northampton as social distancing measures mean millions could be cut off from society.

The Government has urged people over 70 and those with underlying health conditions to shield themselves from social contact for 12 weeks from this weekend (March 21/22) in a bid to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

Eleven per cent of Northampton's population of 225,146 people is made up of residents who are aged over 70, according to the Office for National Statistics.

‘We can only do this with your help’

There are currently 8.7 million people aged 70 or older across the UK, representing about one in eight people.

There have already been a number of community aid groups set up across the country to help vulnerable people.

“During this time of great uncertainty and anxiety, it’s been so heart-warming to see the groundswell of support for older people and other at-risk groups,” said Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK.

“In the weeks and months ahead older people are going to rely on local Age UKs up and down the country more than ever before.

“We are determined to be there for older people, but the reality is that we can only do this with your help.”

Caroline has shared her top five ways to help the elderly in Northamptonshire:

Donate now: Demand for their 'vital' services has increased rapidly.

Help local Age UKs in Northamptonshire provide practical help such as food parcels and help the service keep their Information & Advice and friendship services running by donating here.

Keep in touch: Phone your older relatives and friends to ask what they need – set up a rota with family and friends to make sure someone is regularly checking on them.

Lend a hand: If you’re feeling well, offer to pick up shopping for an older neighbour. Remember that when you offer to go to the shops and when you drop off any shopping, you need to knock on the door and step two metres back first.

Leave any bags on the doorstep making sure they safely receive them. Click here for further tips and advice on being a good neighbour at this time

Share these numbers: For practical information and advice, Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65. For a cheerful chat, day or night, The Silver Line: 0800 470 80 90

Show you care: Make homemade cards (a great project for kids), send postcards, write letters or even post small gifts to keep people’s spirits up.

‘Overwhelmingly worth it’

With millions potentially shut off from society, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said earlier this week that the draconian measures would help slow the spread of Covid-19, especially to at-risk groups.

In a speech on Monday, he said: “I know that many people – including millions of fit and active people over 70 – may feel, listening to what I have just said, that there is something excessive about these measures.

“But I have to say, I believe that they are overwhelmingly worth it to slow the spread of the disease, to reduce the peak, to save life, minimise suffering and to give our NHS the chance to cope.”