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Costa charities turn to social media and radio to help the elderly

Many of the volunteer-run charities that cater for older English-speaking people in Malaga province are continuing to increase the services for those considered most vulnerable

Tony Bryant

Tuesday, 31 March 2020, 14:04

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With the lockdown now extended across Spain, many of the Costa del Sol's volunteer-run charities that cater for older English-speaking citizens are continuing to increase the services for those considered most vulnerable.

Age Care and Age Concern have initiated numerous actions to ensure that they can continue offering support to senior citizens and those at risk. These have included chatlines, social media information platforms and daily email updates on all the current legal and administrative decrees.

Age Care Calahonda has launched its latest campaign under the banner of Loneliness is Lonely, an interactive initiative that aims to help relieve the boredom and isolation of its 178 members. The charity is currently looking at ways to install a video chat site where members can log into the website to chat with friends.

The Coín, Fuengirola/Los Boliches and Benalmádena branches of Age Care are also continuing with their efforts to assist the elderly.

"People are worried and scared and we are doing what we can to help the elderly at home and those that need shopping or need to visit the hospital," spokesperson Nigel Foster explained.

Emergency measures have been employed by Age Concern Marbella/San Pedro. The charity, is using local radio station TRE to keep its members updated.

"We have many volunteers who risk their lives to take food to the many isolated people over our region," committee member Lynda Woodin said.

Steve Marshall, Secretary of Age Concern Fuengirola/Mijas/Benalmádena, explained that the charity is adding to the services available to its clients.

"We are continuing to help clients throughout this health crisis. Our hotline is now open 24-hours in order to cater for the amount of calls we are getting. We are also setting up a video link so people can have group chats."

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