Swann urges community to '˜become eyes and ears of elderly'

Mr Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA and a UUP Chairman of the Stormont Public Accounts Committee, has called on the entire community 'to become the eyes and ears of the elderly during the current heatwave and unpredictable weather'.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jul 2016, 11:28 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:11 BST

Assemblyman Swann, who is also UUP Chief Whip and North Antrim UUP Chairman, said there was a false perception that elderly friends, relatives and neighbours only needed to be monitored health-wise in terms of weather conditions during the winter cold snaps.

Mr Swann said: “We are experiencing some of the hottest weather this year and there is a danger that some elderly people could suffer because of the heat.

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“I am appealing to the community to rally round the elderly during these very warm summer months and become their eyes and ears so that this important section of society does not become a forgotten sector.

“I fully understand that quite rightly parents and guardians are concerned for the health of babies, toddlers and children during the heatwave, especially when young people are in the bright sunshine and require appropriate levels of sun cream to avoid sun burn.

“However, we must not as a community forget about the elderly who may not have experienced such warm weather in their lifetimes and may not take the required precautions to avoid heat stroke or sun stroke.

“Many of these elderly folk have given a lifetime of service to their community and country, so it is only right that we take the time to look after them in their twilight years,” said Assemblyman Swann.