AMMANFORD Foodbank is reaching out to older people in the community left struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

While campaigns across the country have been aimed at younger families, officials at Ammanford believes the over 65s should not be forgotten.

Ammanford Foodbank Development Officer, Cheryl Dulake, said: "We have been concerned that we don't see a fair representation of people over 65.

"It makes sense that if younger people suffer financial crisis, then so do people in this age group. So where is the problem? Older people often feel that there are others worse off than themselves and push themselves to cope in very difficult circumstances; struggling to heat their homes, struggling to buy adequate and nutritious food.

"We so often use social media and email to advertise our services, and many older people can't access technology.

"The South Wales Guardian is where many elderly people keep up to date with local news, so we are making an appeal to those who who need our help to come forward."

Ammanford Foodbank, based in the Evangelical Church, Wind Street, is a Trussell Trust Foodbank and works on a referral system.

Cheryl explains: "In order to receive food from us people need to be referred via Housing Officers, Citizen's Advice Bureau (03444 77 20 20), Age Cymru (01554 784080) or health care services.

"Please ring us on 07804 189830 if you have trouble finding a referral. We offer so much more than food too; we signpost for help with budgeting, debt, benefits advice, loneliness, mental health, bereavement, fuel etc.

"Many older people who should be in receipt of Pensions Credits, aren't applying for them. One lady we have helped recently is in her 80s. She says that she was struggling to buy food and heat her home. She heard about us through her neighbour. This year she has received bags of food from us a couple of times. She says we have been a lifeline to her with help in a number of areas."