PLANS are being drawn up to provide alternative provision when the Meals on Wheels service in Pembrokeshire comes to an end in October this year.

The Royal Voluntary Service is to end its service, which currently provides around 30,000 meals a year to around 150 elderly customers.

It is not just the provision of food but the social interaction the service provide that is also so important. As well as providing nutrition, meals on wheels offers company and allows someone to check older people are okay and do not become isolated in the community.

A consultation has been taking place between Pembrokeshire County Council and other organisations as to what sort of service will now be brought in and there will be an event at County Hall, Haverfordwest on June 14 to outline possible proposals.

This could involve frozen meals being provided and a befriender popping in to help heat the meal at a suitable time and also having additional time to socialise.

A befriender could pick up an individual and take them to a pub or café for a meal, while lunch clubs could be set up or local businesses become involved.

St Dogmaels county councillor Mike James, who is carers’ champion for Pembrokeshire, said: “Organisations are working together to make meals available to as many people as possible and ensure that some sort of provision continues.”

The service in Carmarthenshire is also due to end later this year, though once again plans are being drawn up to replace it.