How you can help north Northamptonshire's 45,000 over-70s during coronavirus crisis

"We can only do this with your help."

That's the message from Age UK as they try to support elderly people beginning a 12-week period of social distancing in a bid to slow down the spread of coronavirus.

The charity is calling on the general public to support over-70s in north Northamptonshire, who have been told to shield themselves from social contact until mid-June in a move which means many could be cut off from society.

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

Of those there are almost 45,000 in north Northamptonshire - 13,758 in East Northamptonshire, 13,219 across the Kettering district, 10,808 in Wellingborough and 6,908 in Corby.

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

Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, said: “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.

“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 shared her top five ways to help the elderly in the north of the county:

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. www.ageuk.org.uk/neighbourly has 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.

Donate now: “Demand for our vital services has increased rapidly. Help local Age UKs in your area provide practical help such as food parcels and help us keep our Information & Advice and friendship services running by donating at www.ageuk.org.uk/coronaappeal.”