Are you aged 50+ and vegan or vegetarian? If the answer is yes, then V for Life is here to help
V for Life (VfL) was launched to ensure that people can maintain their veganism or vegetarianism (veg*nism) throughout their whole lives. We support those living independently, by providing services such as diet and healthy living advice, through to grants and a pen- and phonepal scheme. We also support people receiving care, and their loved ones.
Planning ahead
People rarely envision themselves needing care when they get older. Yet 410,000 people – about the population of Bristol – live in care homes in the UK today. Currently, veg*ns make up only a very small amount of these care homes’ residents, but the number is rising. VfL is working across the UK to make sure that care establishments can cater well and ethically for older veg*ns. We seek to do this through our UK List, which details every organisation and care home that makes a special effort to cater for older vegans and vegetarians. Despite the growing acceptance of veg*nism today, unfortunately there are still many cases where people in care have been fed meat against their wishes. VfL wants veg*nism to be as well respected as halal and kosher meal requirements – and this extends to the issue of dementia. If a Muslim or Jewish resident with dementia requested pork, usually there would be great reluctance to provide it. While veg*nism is not a religion, for many veg*ns it is the strongest belief they have. This is certainly something you should consider as you prepare for retirement and review later life plans. Search our UK List online to see which care providers have signed up near you.
Supporting independent living
Making care settings a safe space for older veg*ns is currently one of VfL’s biggest projects. But older veg*ns who live independently can also face issues when it comes to mealtimes. We currently have several channels of support for those wishing to live independently.
A GRANT SCHEME V for Life administers a charitable fund, The Vegan and Vegetarian Fund, to aid independent living. You could be awarded up to £3,000 if you meet the following criteria: You must be: • Aged 60 or over. • In financial need (i.e. with a relatively small regular income and relatively low savings – we follow the limits used for eligibility for means-tested state benefits). • A practising vegan or vegetarian.
For more information about our grants scheme visit vforlife.org.uk/resources/grants, email info@vegetarianforlife.org.uk, or call 0161 257 0887.
A PEN- AND PHONE-PAL SCHEME In a bid to combat loneliness among veg*ns in later life, VfL introduced a pen- and phonepal scheme. Many people don’t know any other vegans or vegetarians, so having the opportunity to speak with someone who shares your beliefs can be empowering. Vegans and vegetarians aged 50+ across the UK can connect and form new friendships. Contact made through the V for Life pen- and phone-pal scheme might lead to close friendships or offer reassurance that there is someone you could approach to discuss a particular topic or interest. If you choose to take part, the details you supply to us about your interests will be circulated to other participants. In return, you will receive details from others taking part in the scheme. Updates are currently sent out three to four times per year. Your details will not be used for any other purpose or circulated to any third party. You can also choose how much of your personal information is shared with the other participants. You can also connect with others online via our Facebook group, Mature Vegans and Veggies UK: facebook.com/groups/MatureVegans AndVeggiesUK
A WEALTH OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE Meeting the needs of a diverse range of older people is important to us. We strive for V for Life to be the first port of call for information, support and advice for older vegans, vegetarians, their families, friends, and a broad range of care caterers. We offer a unique range of free and highly subsidised booklets, from tasty recipes, nutritional information and advice on how to stand up for your rights as an older veg*n. Please tick which booklet you would like us to send you, on the form overleaf. If you’re online, you can access more information on our website, including additional details about the schemes mentioned above, and hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Order form
To order resources, please fill out the form below, or contact VfL on 0161 257 0887. Thank you. First name
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Please send: A pen- and phone-pal application form Vegetarian & Vegan Fund application form Self-Advocacy Pack (£2.75) England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Veggie meals to your door leaflet Nutrition for older vegetarians and vegans (£2.75) Cooking for one
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Where there is a cost stated, please send cheques to: V for Life, Norwood House, 53 Brighton Grove, Manchester, M14 5JT or call 0161 257 0887. Please make cheques payable to V for Life. You can also order online at vforlife.org.uk/shop
Data Protection VfL collects the data you have submitted so that we can and inform you of relevant information, in accordance with our privacy statement. VfL may wish to send you information about future courses or services that may be relevant to you; this will not involve your data being passed to any third party. If you are happy for VfL to use your personal data in this way, please tick the box. I consent to receiving emails and postal correspondence about VfL’s services.
info@vegetarianforlife.org.uk | 0161 257 0887 | vforlife.org.uk VfLUK @VfL_UK V for Life is a charity registered in England and Wales, number 1120687 Company number 6294709 | © V for Life 2022