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NACC to engage with MPs as Meals on Wheels Week returns

22nd Sep 2017 - 07:00
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The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) will lead a series of activities to raise awareness of the importance of Meals on Wheels between 6-10 November, including a round table discussion with MPs.

The debate, which will discuss what more the government can do to sustain the service in the UK, will form part of the NACC’s Meals on Wheels Week.

Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured the opportunity to discuss the issues with MPs and find potential solutions to sustain and protect services.

"This shows that the message is reaching the right people and this is a positive step forward for our campaign and the future of Meals on Wheels."

The NACC says that cuts to social care budgets has put a strain on the ability of councils to deliver Meals on Wheels with the number of councils providing the service recently dropping to below 50% for the first time.

Radia added: “The shocking results of our research, which showed less than half of UK councils now offer a Meals on Wheels service, simply could not be ignored and the media attention it received propelled our vital message into public consciousness and onto the political agenda.

“Meals on Wheels Week 2017 is all about maintaining the momentum and working to find solutions to protect services from further closures and even reinstate those that may have fallen foul of budget cuts.

NACC members across the UK will be getting involved in awareness raising activities in their regions throughout the week, including pop-up luncheon clubs and VIP on Wheels events that will see local dignitaries, MPs and celebrities visit the services currently on offer and even make a few deliveries themselves.

A social media campaign will be launched on Twitter that will spotlight service users and what the Meals on Wheels service means to them.

“As uncertainty around social care budgets continues and the winter months approach, our campaign is as vital and relevant as ever,” said Radia. “The message is very clear- the Meals on Wheels service is much more than just a meal. 

"It’s a crucial lifeline that supports the elderly and vulnerable in the community and a preventative service that helps relieve the pressure on the NHS."

Delivering home meals to elderly residents who are unable to purchase or prepare their own, Meals on Wheels was first introduced during the Blitz of WWII in 1943.

 

 

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