Pensioners have been keeping warm with winter “survival kits” given out at the West Hendon food bank donated by the Barnet Age UK charity.

The kits, which include food and hot tea in Thermos flasks, were distributed by Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing’s food bank for households on the West Hendon estate who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are providing a lifeline to vulnerable older people,” the housing association’s chief executive Geeta Nanda said. “This is the cost-of-living crisis, when an increasing number of older people are struggling to make ends meet.” 

The winter hampers had essentials such as hat and gloves, blanket, thermal socks and hot drinks flasks. Also included were tea, coffee, biscuits and chicken soup as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap and shampoo.

Age UK Barnet has donated £6,000 funding so far to the West Hendon food bank at Barnet Hill Academy in Montagu Road, which includes vouchers for fuel and food.