The Hairy Bikers are on a mission to rejuvenate the aging (in more ways than one) Meals On Wheels service.

At it’s peak the Meals on Wheels service provided over 34 million daily hot meals to the elderly and infirm but it’s been dramatically reduced and it’s not a service that is available across the country.  Different organisations provide the service for and on behalf of local councils.  Some people receive a hot meal or have frozen or ready meals and processed food delivered for them to heat up.

Dave and Si are out to improve the quality of the food on a very limited budget, by replacing frozen, processed ingredients with freshly prepared and cooked hot meals. They’re also out to raise awareness of the service and to increase the number of volunteers, so that the service is there for those who need it both now and in the years to come and provide them with the vital contact, support and a little extra help.

The Meals on Wheels service is desperately in need of volunteers and without volunteers the service is under even more threat.  Most of the existing volunteers are from the older generation and some are older than the customers they serve.

It’s the same with many organisations, they rely on the retired, who admittedly have more time on their hands to volunteer.

It doesn’t take much and it doesn’t require as much time as you might think. Just two hours once a fortnight would make a difference.

It’s not just about the meals – it’s providing a friendly face and regular contact with the elderly who aren’t able to get out and about as much as they’d like.

Volunteers are needed in the kitchen to help with preparation and cooking and to help deliver meals each day

• It gives you a sense of purpose, boost your confidence and increases your self-esteem.
• It provides valuable work experience that could lead on to greater things.
• It fills the gap in your day.
• It provides an invaluable service

Can you spare the time?

If so, get in touch with your local Meals on Wheels service or local groups and organisations providing meals to those who need it and see if you can volunteer your time or skills.

Related Links:

Hairy Bikers Meal on Wheels (bbc.co.uk)
Hairy Bikers: Save Meals On Wheels (bbc.co.uk)
Volunteer Your Help (bbc.co.uk)

Watch the latest series on BBC2 at 9pm on Tuesday or catch previous episodes on BBC iPlayer (series may no longer be available).