Meals on wheels delivery service celebrated

A pensioner has praised the meals on wheels service that delivers to her five days per week.

Dot Rogers, from Woking, says she has been receiving deliveries from the council-run community meals delivery service "for many years".

"The food is always really hot, and that I appreciate," she told BBC Radio Surrey. "I wrap my sweet in a towel while I have my befores, and then I go on to that."

Woking Borough Council offers meal deliveries year-round to people who may struggle to shop for, prepare or cook food themselves.

Dot said: "The only times I don't have it is the weekends, but then I've got a stuff in my freezer.

"So I can use that for just two days because I know these lovely people are coming in for the five important days."

The council provides meals for various dietary, cultural and texture requirements for its two-course service.

It charges £9.63 for weekdays and £10.64 for weekends.

Delivery driver Ray Smyth says he typically makes between 25 and 30 deliveries per day, with food kept warm or chilled in transport boxes in his vehicle.

"It's not only a food service, it's also keeping an eye on people," he said.

"We're not there to sort the problems out but at least we can identify problems when we get there and we can hopefully get the right people along if there's a need of help."

According to Woking Borough Council, the service made 26 referrals to additional support services, and helped eight customers receive urgent medical care after they were found unwell between January and June.

Ashley Harden-Boyle, a manager for the Woking service, says deliveries are made between 11:30 and 14:00, "365 days a year including Christmas and all bank holidays".

Drivers are "the ears and eyes of the council, and they notice and see things across the borough with residents", he said.

"I think there's such a wide value and impact for residents for services like this and I think everybody that works here feels exactly the same.

"I am very proud of what I do."

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