When the High Street Hurts, the Whole Community Feels It

Wide Shoes - Specialist in broad footwear - Welling High Street

This week, we received some heartbreaking news. Wide Shoes in Welling, a much-loved family business that has supported local people’s foot health since 1954, is being forced to close its doors. After 70 years of trading, the owner shared, “To say I am mortified would be an understatement.” For decades, Wide Shoes has been more than a shop. It has been a place where people found comfort, care, and connection — values that mirror Evergreen Care UK’s own. Its closure is a reflection of a much bigger issue: the financial burden now facing local businesses, charities, and older adults across our community.

A Community Under Pressure

Across the London Borough of Bexley, the rising cost of rent, energy, and National Insurance contributions is affecting everyone. 1 in 6 residents earn below the real Living Wage.- More than 88,000 people aged 50+ live in Bexley, and that number is rising.- Around 1 in 9 older adults lives in income-deprived households.- Fuel costs and food prices remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, while heating bills are expected to rise again this winter. Charities are feeling this too. Across the UK, over 150 registered charities closed in the last year, as donations fell and costs rose. At the same time, demand for services like befriending, home support, and community cafés is climbing rapidly. Here at Evergreen, we are conscious that some will limit social outings or skip bus journeys to save money, but that isolation brings other costs: declining health, loss of confidence, and loneliness. And yet, amidst the challenge, there is hope, because community still matters.

What We Can All Do This Winter

We can’t stop every business from closing or every price from rising, but together we can make sure no one in later life is forgotten.

Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference

1. Stay Connected - Reach out to a neighbour, friend, or family member, especially if they live alone. A short visit or phone call can make a world of difference.

2. Keep Warm, Keep Well — Check eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments, Warm Home Discount, and local support grants. Encourage older relatives to heat their main room to at least 18°C and to layer clothing.

3. Move Together — Even gentle walks or Step-temper-style challenges boost physical and mental health. If possible, join an Elderberries Café or a local social group to stay active and connected.

4. Shop Local, Give Local — Support small businesses like Wide Shoes, they are the heart of our community. When you buy local, you help sustain local giving and volunteering, too.

5. Partner with Evergreen — Invite us to speak at your church, business, or community group. We love sharing how together we can support people in later life with dignity, compassion, connection, and trust.

Voices of Encouragement

“Evergreen’s volunteers make everyone feel welcome, it’s more than a service, it’s friendship.” Google Review, 2024“Having a befriender has brightened my mum’s week.” Service User’s Family. These stories remind us that, even in hard times, kindness and connection endure.

How You Can Help Evergreen Care UK

Donate – Your regular gift keeps companionship visits and cafés running for those who need them most.

Volunteer – Just one hour a week can bring hope to someone in later life.

Partner – Invite us to your church, business, or group. Together we can raise awareness and build stronger community support. Because when local businesses close and costs rise, Evergreen is determined to stay open, walking alongside every person in later life, with compassion and care.

Winter Well-Being at a Glance

Check if you or a neighbour qualify for Cold Weather Payments.

Share hot drinks — warmth shared is warmth doubled.

Encourage gentle activity indoors.

Donate unwanted coats or blankets to local drives.

Keep emergency contact numbers handy.

Remember: connection is as vital as heating.

Stay in touch, stay hopeful, and stay warm.