A CHARITY which helps elderly and vulnerable residents has experiences a ‘massive surge’ in enquiries due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Age UK Mid Mersey, which covers Warrington, St Helens, Halton and Knowsley is mobilising staff and volunteers to meet the unprecedented demand but needs more help due to depleting resources.

It anticipates the calls to its advice line will double in the coming weeks while normal work, events, activities and classes have been suspended.

Mark Lunney, CEO of Age UK Mid Mersey said: “Our community expects us to support them and we are committed to reaching as many people as we can.

“We play a major role alongside our key partners in the health and social care system and we are working collaboratively and in partnership with both statutory and voluntary groups across our extensive area we cover but this is a colossal task.

“We have initially identified more than 7,000 known clients on our database but have experienced a massive surge of enquiries to our advice lines and anticipate this doubling in volume in the coming weeks ahead.”

Staff have been redeployed to carry out extensive wellbeing calls to help those most in need and offer assurance and advice.

The charity is worried about sustainability in these unprecedented times and is welcoming support from volunteers.

Mark added: “We are here now at one of our greatest times of real need. We are trusted and respected by thousands of older people and we will not let them down.

“This is our moment now to show the greatest resilience in keeping as many people safe in their homes at this difficult time.

“Our staff teams will do all they can, wherever we can to help. Please do all you can too. Look after yourself, your neighbours and show community kindness wherever you can.”

To register visit www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/covid-19-and-volunteering-halton-and-st-helens or donate at www.ageuk.org.uk/midmersey/get-involved/donate.

Anyone who needs help can email enquries@aukmm.org.uk or call the helpline on 0300 003 1992.