A former community support lead has called on North Wales residents to check on elderly neighbours, who are set to struggle this winter.
Lisa Goodier used to overlook Betsi Cadwaladr's community support hubs, which were set up during the pandemic to offer help to North Wales residents in a variety of different ways.
The hubs provide services such as heating support, legal advice and food support, there are hubs in Bangor, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Colwyn Bay, Deeside, Denbigh, Holyhead, Llanddulas, and Wrexham.
The demand for which has had a huge increase over the last 12 months with the cost of living crisis.
The energy price cap has gone up, which will lead to households paying thousands of pounds in bills, while food prices and inflation are at an all-time high.
With a daunting winter looming, Lisa is expecting the elderly to suffer the most.
She said: "Older people will struggle more later this year as what you often find is they won't come for help as they are too proud.
"Especially for those suffering with long-term conditions or illness, they will end up in the hospital and it will put more pressure on the NHS.
"They need the support ready for them when they are released, otherwise they'll end up being readmitted.
"It will also have a knock-on effect on the families who are trying to support them.
"If I could give one message it would be, to make sure you check on your elderly neighbours."
Another aspect Lisa is concerned about is the ease of accessing support schemes from the Government, especially for the older generation.
She added: "People don't know what to do or where to go, it needs to be very clear for people, not dressed up in fancy words.
"It's very worrying for lots of people. What we've also found is many won't claim what they're entitled to.
"Again, a lot of older people are too proud to claim for the support they need and say things like 'it's better off other people having it'.
"The thing is, people don't get double if you don't claim. The grants and schemes are there for you and if you are eligible you must apply for them ahead of this winter."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here