Council keeps chill at bay with slippers giveaway

Hundreds of Waltham Forest’s most vulnerable residents are to be given free slippers, gloves, and scarves to help them get through the winter.

More than 250 pairs of slippers will be distributed to over-65s via care homes, home care providers and in Waltham Forest’s libraries.

The scheme aims to help keep people warm and to reduce injuries as a result of falls by cutting down the number of serious accidents in people’s homes.

The slippers will be handed out at the council’s own care homes; to those getting home care; and in sheltered accommodation.

If there are any slippers left they will be distributed in Waltham Forest’s libraries in the New Year.

In addition, 500 pairs of gloves and 500 scarves are to go out through the voluntary community sector to households most in need.

Announcing the festive giveaway, Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, cabinet member for adult services at Waltham Forest Council, said that they would help protect the elderly and save money in the long run.

He said: “This is such a simple, but brilliant, idea and I’m overjoyed that we are launching it in the borough. Poor fitting slippers can cause serious injury with people slipping or tripping.

“That can have serious consequences for an elderly person’s health and independence and ultimately lead to social isolation. This is one of the ways we can improve the quality of life for our older residents.”

It has been estimated that around nine per cent of hip fractures suffered by elderly patients because of bad footwear, with each fracture costing the NHS more than £20,000.