Banbury community centre warns of growing pressure on older people as costs rise
Fears more pensioners will struggle as energy bills increase and support thresholds leave some without help
Older people in Banbury are finding it difficult with rising living costs with limited access to support, a community leader has warned.
Lorraine Squire, director of the Hill Community Centre, says there is a “definite need” for more support, particularly among older residents who may not qualify for benefits or feel able to speak up.
“There are older people struggling in our communities and they're also not very good at asking for help a lot of the time,” she said.
Lorraine explained that some pensioners are missing out on financial support by small margins.
“I spoke to a lady who is just two or three pounds over the threshold,” she said. “Because she’s not entitled to pension credit, she doesn’t then get help with the other things like her TV licence, dental costs, opticians, council tax.”
“There are always people that will be missed and fall through the gaps,” she added.
Lorraine also shared an anecdote highlighting the impact of rising energy costs on people in surrounding villages, many of whom rely on oil heating.
“I know someone who had managed to get a delivery of oil about four weeks ago and to fill their tank cost them £600,” she said. “They’ve gone back last week and it was £1,400."
“It’s worrying for people.”
While demand is increasing, Lorraine believes that the centre will see an increase in demand for its services, which include hosting breakfast and lunch clubs, social activities, and supporting people facing isolation, mental health challenges and financial hardship.
However, she warned that community centres like them are also under pressure with rising bills
"It's difficult for us as an organisation who've got a building to run that takes a fair few thousand pounds just to keep the doors open," she said.
Despite strong local partnerships, she believes more recognition is needed for the voluntary sector.
“Do people really realise the amount of work that the volunteers and the charitable sector do? Because it’s huge,” she said. “If we weren’t there, where would these people go?”
The Hill Community Centre supports hundreds of people each week, offering not just practical help but also vital social connection.
“It’s not always financial help,” Lorraine said. “It might just be somebody just needs a friend.”
With pressures mounting, she says organisations like hers will need to continue adapting.
“We’ve got to be creative and find innovative ways to support people,” she said. “We all do our best and we find a way.”