THE needs of an ageing population in Copeland and how best to meet that challenge was the subject of a recent MP's visit.

MP Trudy Harrison recently visited the Millom branch of Age UK to find out how they are responding to the needs of the community.

Starting with a tour of the Age UK shop in St George’s Road, the MP and her constituency office manager, Ged McGrath, saw how the charity is developing innovative approaches to help increase income to support its local services.

Mrs Harrison also visited the Bradbury Centre, which is the central hub for old people's services in south Copeland.

After meeting many of the volunteers and staff members at the two sites, Mrs Harrison said: "I was thrilled to visit the Bradbury Centre and Age UK shop to meet the dedicated team of staff and volunteers and see first-hand the invaluable work they do for the local community.

"The extensive range of services available to the local community is impressive and I commend the efforts of all those involved who work hard to support and help people remain independent in their own homes."

Through a series of presentations from Age UK staff and the new west Cumbria chief executive Andy Todman, who came into post in April, she was able to learn more about the range of services and support provided by Age UK West Cumbria and its plans for the future.

Mr Todman said: "The rapidly ageing population and increase in the number of people living with long-term conditions mean that there is a growing need to support people to live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as they choose."

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