Older people and those with long term health problems are being urged to join hundreds of residents in Wolverhampton who already receive delicious and nutritious Meals on Wheels.

It comes as NHS England and Public Health England launch their Stay Well This Winter campaign, which recommends consuming plenty of hot meals and drinks as an effective way to help older and vulnerable people stay well through the cold winter months.

The Meals on Wheels service is open to everyone and provides customers with hot meals and afternoon teas.

Around 300 people currently receive the service, which offers a daily choice of hot dishes and desserts. Dishes range from roast lamb, steak and kidney pie and fish in parsley sauce to mutton, fish curry, spicy fried chicken and lamb calypso and rice.

Councillor Steve Evans, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Services, said: "The Meals on Wheels service is very popular with the residents of Wolverhampton, giving them a delicious range of hot meals and afternoon teas.

"It is open to everyone, but it is particularly helpful for our older and more vulnerable residents, especially during the winter months.

"It is also an excellent way of supporting people to remain independent for longer and of maintaining social contact on a regular basis."

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "It is vital that older and vulnerable people take preventative steps to keep healthy and stay well.

"Food is a vital source of energy, which keeps your body warm. To Stay Well This Winter, try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day."

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show there were 27% more deaths in winter in 2014 to 2015 compared with the rest of the year,

The majority were among those aged 75 and above, with around 36,300 additional winter deaths among that age group. Research shows people with health conditions such as heart disease, lung problems and dementia are also more likely to die in winter.

For more information about the Meals on Wheels service, including example menus, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=8021;Title=Meals on Wheels; or call 01902 556677.

Other Stay Well This Winter advice includes keeping active in the home, setting the thermostat to no lower than 18C, wrapping up warm, and having a flu vaccination.

  • released: Wednesday 9 November, 2016