‘The church is vital in solving the social care crisis’ say Christian charities

A study has raised concerns that social care is at a crisis point as fewer people are getting the care they need.

Research by the King’s Fund think tank found 13,000 fewer people received aid last year as requests for support among adults rose by 2%.

The report suggests that a rise in the older population has placed increasing strain on the care system, with 22% saying they need support but don’t get it.

Carl Knightly from Faith in Later Life, an umbrella charity that works with The Salvation Army and Pilgrim’s Friends Society, told Premier: “Community engagement is really important and churches are ideally placed and have a biblical mandate to serve and honour our older folk.

“There are many benefits to society that come with and through older people and church can be at the centre of supporting and empowering older people in a variety of ways, as well as inviting them into Christ-centred community.”

The data shows a drop of £700 million in local authority spending over the past nine years, revealing that the need for healthcare is not being matched by government provision.

The report comes as the Labour Party announced plans for more home care packages that provide help getting in and out of bed, bathing and preparing meals.

They pledged more cash and said the plans could provide support to more than 160,000 older people who currently get no help, including…