There have been several reports noting that, because council funding has been significantly reduced, the number of older people having access to day services, such as lunch clubs, has significantly decreased. In 2012 Age UK reported that numbers using these services had fallen from 88,498 in 2009-10 to 68,160 in 2011-12 and this trend has continued. It warned then that thousands of older people faced "the prospect of living out their last years in loneliness".
The reduction in such services - which may include exercise classes, hairdressing, podiatry and social activities - have naturally had an impact on older people and their carers.
While a conversation regarding the issue of loneliness and social isolation is welcome, will there also be a focus on restoring ongoing government funding for some of these services which help so many people? Relying on funding from charities is not a reliable method of ensuring continuity. When funding ends, if new financial sources are not found successful projects often have to be abandoned.
What is your view on this?
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