Donate a coat to help Spread the Warmth

Donate a coat to help Spread the Warmth to older people this winter

1.2 million over 60s feel that having a warm coat would make the biggest difference to them this winter.

We all love shopping for that new ‘must-have' coat each winter but what happens to all of the old, unloved coats from seasons gone by? Instead of letting them gather dust at the back of a wardrobe, Age UK is urging people to donate their old coats to sell in one of its shops this winter as part of the Charity's new Spread the Warmth campaign.

Recent research from Age UK shows that more than 1.2 million people over 60 in the UK feel that having a warm coat would make the biggest difference to them this winter. By donating a coat to Age UK, you can be that difference - money raised by Spread the Warmth will help over 350,000 older people live safer, healthier, more fulfilling lives at this difficult time of year.

Donated coats can be dropped off at a local Age UK or Age Concern shop (to find your nearest shop, visit www.ageuk.org.uk or call 0800 169 8787).

Hugh Forde, Director of Retail, Trading and Training at Age UK, said: 'Donating an old, unloved coat will go a long way towards making winter warmer for people in later life. With over 475 shops on high streets up and down the country, donating your old coat couldn't be easier. Christmas is a time for reaching out and helping others so we urge anyone who can help to get involved and spread a little warmth this winter.'

Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign aims to help alleviate the needless suffering older people face each winter. Running from October to February, the campaign will focus on helping older people stay warm and well as well as reminding neighbours and friends of what they can do to help.

This winter, Age UK's practical advice and support services will help over 350,000 older people live safer, healthier, more fulfilling lives. The Charity is aiming to make older people and their family, friends and carers aware of the practical and effective advice and support on everything from installing draft excluders and grab rails, to checking electric blanket wiring and claiming the benefits available to them.

Penny Smith, TV presenter and Age UK Ambassador, is supporting the Age UK Spread the Warmth campaign.

For more information on donating a coat or ‘Spread the Warmth', call the Age UK Customer Relations line on 0800 169 87 87 or visit www.spreadthewarmth.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

This is the estimated figure for the UK, based on 9% response rate to Q.1 Which of the following, if any, would make the biggest difference to you this winter? ALL MENTIONS Base: All Adults 60+ UK and rounded to the nearest 1,000.

Age UK works in partnership with Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is inspired by the belief that it can improve the lives of people in later life. It celebrates ageing and believes it presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges at home and abroad. Age UK will challenge ageist prejudice in society, provide services that address market failures and support the public and private sectors to design age-friendly products and services. It will support people to remain in their own homes through campaigning and practical services and its Information and Advice service will offer millions of people support on a range of issues from claiming benefits to staying fit and healthy.

Age UK will fund biomedical research that helps tackle the ill health and poor quality of life that are too common as people age. Working with over 350 partners across the country, Age UK helps influence local decisions and delivers the most appropriate services. Its network of over 500 shops will act as a focal point for the local community, providing information and help with local services. Age UK works across the globe as well as in the UK, with its international partner, Help Age International, championing older people's rights and needs and as an active member of the DEC.

Media contact: Ashley Cox
Telephone: 0208 765 7513
Out-of-hours: 07071 243 243