Community outreach lorry hits the roads

By Age Concern Central Lancashire

23 Mar 2021

enwl-age-concern-lorry-web-007.jpg

Age Concern Central Lancashire today launches its new community outreach service, one year on from the first national lockdown.

The charity along with its partners – North West utility networks Electricity North West, Cadent, and United Utilities - forged a new and exciting collaborative venture alongside the Preston North End Community and Education Trust to reach and support greater numbers of older people across Lancashire.

The project is unlike any other within the county and will certainly get people talking.  In the form of a 7.5 tonne, 56 square meter vehicle, Age Concern Central Lancashire will hit the road to bring information and advice to the masses!

The Mercedes Atego van, secured through a competitive bidding process via Preston City Council, has had a £50,000 refit to convert it into a Mobile Advice Centre, which was paid for by the three utility companies.

And now after months of hard work; the vehicle affectionately nicknamed ‘MAC’ is ready to roll.

Its complete overhaul includes two consultation booths, open space for group activities and talks, air-conditioning and, perhaps most importantly, brew making facilities!  In addition, the ‘Mobile Advice Centre’ is a specially designed to be dementia friendly and is accessible for people of any age and ability to get the information and advice they need. All three of the utility networks will also be offering MAC attendees free advice on safety and energy efficiency measures, as well as tips on how to stay safe and warm in their homes. 

The vehicle will be used at supermarket car parks, community events both large and small and throughout Lancashire’s towns and villages with a full schedule of locations to be released in due course and once COVID19 restrictions allow.  Residents across the county are invited to come and say hello and to ask Age Concern Central Lancashire about support regarding independent living, memory loss and dementia care, benefits advice and legal services such as Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney amongst a myriad of wider themes.

Suzanne Carr, CEO of Age Concern Central Lancashire, praised the project, “This is not the first time in our history we have provided a mobile resource unit.  In 1984 the charity began using a bus affectionately called ‘The Teapot’ bus and people would flock to where it was located to seek our help.  Now in our 40th anniversary year we are delighted to bring things full circle and to launch the Mobile Advice Centre or ‘MAC’ as it’s been named.  Furthermore; we are delighted to have formed partnerships with the North West's big three utility companies which in turn means our customers will have access to a full suite of services, and most importantly, will be able to access 1-2-1 support on a range of important matters from independent living through to seeking help during an energy crisis.”

Age Concern Central Lancashire, who recently won both the prestigious BIBAs Business Hero Award 2020 and Lancashire Business View Award at the Red Rose Awards 2020, was granted £50,000 by Electricity North West, Cadent and United Utilities and despite various challenges due to the pandemic the joint venture has finally arrived at the starting line. 

Despite such set-backs and delays, the enthusiasm for the project is felt across all partners and is echoed by Jill Hendry, Partnership Lead for Electricity North West.  

“The new community outreach service will provide valuable support to customers alongside our existing Priority Service, which offers customers additional help in a power cut, energy efficiency advice and support if you’re struggling to pay your bills and having use of the MAC to support customers in emergency situations by providing hot drinks or the ability to charge a mobile phone is an added bonus.

We’re delighted to be involved in the project and to be able to provide the people of Lancashire with another vital support channel.”

Amanda Phillips, United Utilities’ Priority Services Partnerships and Engagement Lead, expanded on the partnership: “The refurbishment of the mobile advice centre for Age Concern Central Lancashire is one of the first steps we’ve taken as a ‘Utilities Together’ group in the North West.

“We are committed to working collaboratively with Electricity North West and Cadent to support customers in our region who need a little bit of extra help.”

Jenny Moten, North West Network Director for gas network Cadent, said: “It’s fantastic to see the ‘MAC’ ready to hit the road.

“We’ve had an extraordinary year, one that’s had a huge impact on everybody, but particularly older generations who we know have often felt isolated. How great then for the gas, electricity and water networks to be working with Age Concern Central Lancashire to take our support direct to the heart of the communities we serve.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it in action – and, when Covid restrictions allow, having a brew and a natter on-board with our customers.”

Age Concern Central Lancashire is currently working in-line with Government guidance and aims to have MAC touring communities and attend events incrementally as the year progresses.  It is hoped the Mobile Advice Centre will begin a tour of supermarket car parks and other community hubs from 12th April 2021.

In addition to the excitement of launching the new project, Age Concern Central Lancashire is also appealing for volunteers to support the initiative.  Anyone with experience in driving HGVs, buses or has CBT training is invited to get in touch with the charity. With the help of volunteer drivers MAC will reach more people across the county. Hours are flexible and will always be with notice. To find out more about this volunteering opportunity please contact Age Concern Central Lancashire on 01772 552865 or email the team on [email protected]

If you are a business or would like to know more about hosting the MAC for staff welfare events, your customers or, if you have space where communities meet please contact the team on 01772 552850 (option 7) or email [email protected]

Full details of the MAC calendar can be found on www.ageisjustanumber.org.uk/MAC 

 

 

 

 

Latest news

1

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston Momentum

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston

25 Jul 2025

2

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

3

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

4

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

5

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin