Meals on Wheels help more people 'feel and stay independent' in Hertfordshire

Figures released this week by the National Association of Care Catering show fewer than half of councils are still providing a meals on wheels service.

However, in Hertfordshire, 97 per cent of people said they felt more independent for using the service and 76 per cent visited their GP less as a result.

Hertfordshire County Council has invested £5 million in the last five years with Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS).

Around 60 deliveries take place from all four sites, which are Hemel Hempstead, Letchworth, St Albans, and Ware.

Margaret, who lives in Harpenden, is one of the thousands of people who rely on the service all year round.

She said: “The food is good, the service is reliable, and the drivers are very, very kind.

"I would say the meals help me stay independent – I don’t have to stand there and suffer while I’m trying to prepare dinner.

"I’m more than pleased to see my meals just walk through the door now.”

The service began in 2007, when it was originally called Hertfordshire Community Meals.

The number of people receiving meals has now increased from 400 to 4,000.

Colette Wyatt-Lowe, Cabinet member for adult care and health, said: "This service is not just about the delivery of a hot meal.

"For some older people, it is their only point of social contact during the day.

"A recent survey revealed that more than three quarters of the people who receive the service visit their GP less as a result, so it’s great for them and it also saves money from the public purse.

Hertfordshire County Council is aiming to reach for better value for taxpayers’ money year on year – with a social return on investment of £5.28 for every £1 invested and extra services.

These services include telecare, emergency welfare bags, a nutrition and wellbeing screening programme, home fire safety visits, free eye checks in the home and meals provided to lunch and dementia clubs across the county.