Caring PCSOs buy groceries for vulnerable Manchester pensioner who had no food at home

The Greater Manchester police support officers found the elderly man in a bad way at his home - and stepped in to help with his food shopping and even located a TV and washing machine for him.
Jenny Simpson
By Jenny Simpson
Published 19th Nov 2021, 11:31 GMT
Updated 19th Nov 2021, 11:31 GMT
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Two Greater Manchester PCSOs have stepped in to help a vulnerable pensioner who had no food in his home.

PCSOs Colin Taylor and Paul Dawson were checking in on the man in the Firgrove area of Rochdale after a call from a concerned relative.

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Once inside his address, they realised the 68-year-old man was struggling to care for himself.

Rochdale Neighbourhood Sergeant, PS Matthew Honey, said: “They could see the man had no food in his fridge so they took him shopping on their own lunch hour instead of taking a break.

“They drove him to the shop, helped with the shopping and the trolley inside, and then drove him back to his address.

Food bought by the PCSOs for the vulnerable man Credit: GMPFood bought by the PCSOs for the vulnerable man Credit: GMP
Food bought by the PCSOs for the vulnerable man Credit: GMP

“They have also passed on crucial details so that the correct agencies can help him going forward.

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“They really have gone above and beyond the call of duty but that is nothing less than I would expect from my team.

“Acts like this are not a one-off and we are committed to helping the most vulnerable people on our beats.”

The PCSOs still visit the man every other day to check up on him and have even delivered a TV and washing machine donated by a kind member of the public.

Rochdale PCSOs Paul Dawson (left) and Colin Taylor (right) Credit: GMPRochdale PCSOs Paul Dawson (left) and Colin Taylor (right) Credit: GMP
Rochdale PCSOs Paul Dawson (left) and Colin Taylor (right) Credit: GMP

PCSO Dawson said: “We treated him as we would want our own families to be treated.

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“We heard that he didn’t feel up to going out but when we offered to take him, he lit up and it clearly touched him.

“For us this is our bread and butter and serving the community is the most rewarding part of the job.

“Our referrals to other agencies will now ensure he has everything he needs.”

The man’s sister, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the PCSOs as ‘angels’.

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She said: “I can’t praise them enough - they knew he needed some help and didn’t hesitate.

“They still go back and see him every other day to check up and make sure he is okay.”

Chief Inspector Danny Atherton, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “I am really proud of our PCSOs and how caring and considerate they have been. Little acts of compassion can go a long way.”

  • To ask for help from a food bank or find out how to donate, see The Trussell Trust website here.
Related topics:Manchester