How kind Sun readers’ cash helped keep OAPs hit by Labour’s hated winter fuel cut warm this winter

IT was tea, sandwiches and laughs aplenty at a party to celebrate a new partnership offering year-round social gatherings and practical help to the elderly. Two dozen senior citizens were guests at the lunch to celebrate a three-year hook-up between the charity Age UK — The Sun’s Christmas campaign partner last year — and homeware retailer Dunelm. Dunelm will support Age UK’s longstanding work combatting elderly isolation by laying on get-togethers, singalongs and exercise classes as well as telephone advice and friendship services.

Sun readers raised money for Age UK over the festive season and now Dunelm aims to kick in £2million from food and drink sales at its in-store Pausa cafes, as well as carrier-bag sales, customer donations and fundraisers. The party to celebrate the Age UK and Dunelm hook-up was held in the Pausa cafe of the shop chain’s Leicester branch — and guests spoke of their gratitude. Mary, 68, told me: “After I retired I just wanted to go back to work because I was struggling to meet people. I wanted connection.

“Age UK has given me that. I’ve made so many friends. My world is no longer small and depressing.”. Also at the lunch was Nitin, 64, who is registered blind but supports his wife at home as she struggles with mobility. Nitin, who attends bingo and exercise sessions at his local Age UK centre, added: “Age UK are very helpful in providing support and information. "People can check if you’ve got the right levels of insulation, advise on keeping safe from scammers and more.

“The Government has stopped a lot of things so it’s nice to know we have Age UK on our side.”. Fellow service user Nalini, 68, said: "I used to be shy but now I talk to everyone, even in shops. Without Age UK, my life would be lonely, and I’d be depressed.”. The lunch-goers in Leicester enjoyed bingo, and prizes supplied by Dunelm including blankets to homeware hampers. Paul Farmer, CEO of Age UK said times are hard for the elderly, especially with the loss of Winter Fuel Allowance.

But he said: “Thanks to The Sun’s SOS at Christmas campaign we’ve been able to shine a light, and are doing our utmost to help.”. Dunelm’s Paul Sullivan added: “Our purpose is to support Age UK tackling loneliness in older people and bringing communities together.”. THE Sun's Winter Fuel SOS Campaign is here to support households during these challenging times. Due to government cutbacks, ten million pensioners are set to lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.

Since opening our phone lines to thousands of pensioners in October, we remain dedicated to providing tips and advice on how to stretch your finances further. That's why we have partnered with the poverty charity Turn2Us to launch a free benefits checker, helping you ensure that you are claiming all the benefits to which you are entitled. Don't miss our latest Sun Money coverage, which includes essential information on key deadlines, applying for support, and everything you need to know about Pension Credit.