ELDERLY people are set to benefit from improvements to Hampshire’s Meals on Wheels service.

Currently, the service varies from area to area but county council chiefs say that, from the beginning of April this year, the service will be provided 365 days a year, either directly to people’s doors or to a local lunch club.

The new service will also cover the whole of the county so that any older person who wants a regular hot meal can have one.

Meals on Wheels provides more than 200,000 vital hot meals to Hampshire residents, which not only contribute to a nutritionally balanced diet but also help older people to stay independent for longer.

The new service will also include new separate meals support services which will allow older people to request regular mealtime visits weekly, fortnightly or monthly from a volunteer. These volunteers will provide some all-important social contact and help older people to keep in touch with local activities.

Councillor Felicity Hindson, executive member for adult social care at Hampshire County Council, said: “It is important to reassure everyone who currently receives Meals on Wheels that they can continue to do so in the future.”