Rochdale charity presidents asks people to check-up on vulnerable neighbours this winter

Dr Anita Sharma

A meeting with a gas engineer gave a Rochdale charity president the energy to mount a campaign, asking all of us to check-up on anyone vulnerable living next door.

Dr Anita Sharma, who leads the Inner Wheel, was left heartbroken when the friendly face who fixes boilers and reads meters, told her that he was now seeing older folks wrapped in layers of clothing, petrified of the fuel bill that lies ahead.

And so concerned is the GP that the needy may develop hypothermia and malnutrition, that she penned a seasonal message to members of her own and other charities to encourage them to drop-in and make sure those around them are well in body – and mind.

“I have practiced medicine within Greater Manchester for many years and have seen everything from colds to Covid, but I never expected to treat the desperately poor nutrition and broken bones and chest infections poverty is causing,” said Dr Sharma. “The crumbling state of the NHS and social services – despite the heroics of their staff – can leave us feeling helpless.

"But there is something you can do, be a good neighbour.”

With Age Concern reporting that 1.2 million older people feel lonely, she believes that a few kind words of concern could also lift spirits and cut both physical and mental illness. “The two are intrinsically linked and anyone suffering from low mood is more prone to physical problems and indeed addictions,” she said.

Dr Sharma noted that The Samaritans are currently running a campaign which simply encourages all of us to talk to someone who may look down – and maybe ask where they can get a coffee. “I really do think it makes a difference” she added, “and lets people know they are not invisible and that somebody cares.”

Formed in Manchester in the 1920s, The Association of Inner Wheel Clubs encourages women to come together in friendship, with the collective aim of doing good. Rochdale has a particularly vibrant group, and their kindness, says Dr Sharma, is needed more than ever.

“Families are scattered all over the world now and charities and faith groups who traditionally offered so much, are feeling the pinch,” concluded Dr Sharma, “I think we should both campaign for change and offer what we can, especially time to repairing our communities and making sure older folks in particular are cared for. They deserve a Happy Christmas – just like the rest of us.”