AGE UK Isle of Wight has moved to the next level of its escalation plan — to help the elderly through the coronavirus crisis.

Chief executive Jo Dare said today: "The situation we face through coronavirus is unprecedented.

"Age UK IW is integrated into our local health and social care system, and during this time, when our primary purpose is to support older people, one of the most vulnerable groups at the present time, we are working hard to ensure we can sustain as much vital support for local people as we can, while adhering to the clinical and social guidance around minimising risks of exposure.

"Government guidance is to limit face-to-face contacts where not essential, not to stop services completely, and therefore our approach is to maintain as much support as we can over the telephone or digitally.

"We are temporarily suspending our social activities and non-essential home visits and are replacing them with wellbeing telephone calls or a digital offer.

"Collaborating with our voluntary sector colleagues, this will ensure we can maximise our resources to support people who are self-isolating in three key areas — shopping, prescription collection, and telephone or digital befriending and wellbeing checks.

"If you need this, or other support while self-isolating, contact 525282 to register your details.

"You can also contact us to offer voluntary support in your local area.

"We so appreciate those coming forward, and have published an online application form so people can register their interest while allowing us to manage and review the applications to safeguard all involved.

"We are working closely with IW Council Trading Standards Scams Team (IWASP) and other organisations to ensure that our most vulnerable residents are protected.

"Our services that directly support people so they do not need statutory services, or help them get home from hospital, are being maintained.

"As a community, we are facing some challenging times but please rest assured the purpose of your local charity, Age UK IW, remains unchanged. "We are committed to supporting our population now, and also look forward to returning to our full portfolio of services and activities as soon as we can.

"In the meantime, we are here to help, so please call if you need us."