A team of volunteers have been helping elderly people throughout Bolton get their essentials as high temperatures keep many indoors.
Working as a team across House of Rajas, Homeless Aid UK, and Bolton Halwa Centre, the group makes sure older people have access to the basics as the weather gets hotter.
Sital Raja-Arjan, owner of House of Rajas, said: “My dad always used to say ‘love thy neighbour’ so we do what we can.
"We’re in the fortunate position where we can take a few hours off and get out and help people with their shopping.”
The service started during the Covid-19 pandemic, when one of her father’s diaries fell on her and unearthed a list of old customers.
When she reached out to the contacts in the diary, she quickly learned that a lot of these customers, now pensioners, were struggling to get their shopping.
“Covid put us on the map and when the hot weather came, the pensioners knew to call us when they struggled.”
Bharat Kumar, from the Bolton Halwa Centre has also had a huge impact when helping others in times of need.
Speaking about his work, Ms Raja-Arjan said: “Over 40 years he’s made sure the seniors are always looked after – to the point where most count him as family.”
This weekend, Mr Kumar is volunteering with others to take pensioners on a trip away in caravans where he will make sure they get a wholesome breakfast, lunch and dinner over the next few days.
As well as the Bolton Halwa Centre, Ms Raja-Arjan also works with volunteer Elaine Guest-Evans from Homeless Aid UK to ensure everybody is looked after when the weather gets hotter and tasks such as finding cool places, and shopping become more difficult.
“We are lucky to live in a town where everything is nearby and have easy access and contacts to help others," she explained.
“Corner shops are amazing for things like that – Those that really notice when people don’t come in for their daily paper or a loaf of bread.”
The team helps anyone that can’t get out or face the heat, bringing them basics like milk or bread or bringing them fresh Indian food from the deli.
Temperatures are expected to be high for days to come with hot weather forecast until at least July 18.
They aim to continue work to help those in the community that need an extra helping hand in the hot weather.
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