Lyn Brown MP was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to Newham this week.  Lyn joined the Prime Minister and Phil Hope, the Care Services Minister, on a visit to the Community Resource Centre in Plaistow.

The Centre provides invaluable support to 400 elderly and disabled people every week, allowing them to continue to live independently. It provides access to a wide range of health services as well as free personal care such as hairdressing.  The Centre also offers opportunities to learn new skills such as cookery or computing.

The visit coincided with the Prime Minister’s announcement that personal care will be provided free to those with the most need in the comfort of their own homes.  Newham already runs this scheme and the Prime Minister was able to see how the Centre provides extra help for those who choose to continue to live independently.

Lyn Brown MP said,

“I am delighted that the Prime Minister has been able to see in action the excellent work that’s being done by the Centre to improve the health and quality of life for older people in Newham. 

These centres help older people in Newham remain as independent as possible by giving them an extra bit of help when they need it.  Without this vital help, many older people would be unable to stay living in their homes which would be heartbreaking for so many.

The Winter Fuel Allowance, Cold Weather Payments, Pension Credits and free TV licences for over 75s have all helped make life better for older people in Newham.  The Government’s pledge to provide free personal care in the home further demonstrates Labour’s commitment to providing our older people with the care they need and deserve.”