Iceland has become the first supermarket retailer in the UK to offer a special discount for over-60s.
Acting in response to the cost of living crisis, which is putting increasing pressure on household finances, the supermarket chain has launched a new discount exclusively for their older custoers.
Available to use from Tuesday 24 May, there is no minimum spend required to get the saving. Rather, the only thing over-60s will have to do to receive their discount is show proof of age to their cashier if requested.
The 10% discount can be used both at Iceland and The Food Warehouse, which is part of the Iceland Foods Group.
Age UK recently revealed that three-quarters of older people in the UK (9.4 million) are worried about the rising cost of living.
In response, Iceland is launching the discount across its stores and The Food Warehouse stores in the hope that it will help the older generation cut down their weekly food bill.
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The ten percent discount will be available to those over sixty every Tuesday and will apply across all products that include a range of great value meal essentials.
From fresh meats such as roast pork, rump steak, andgammon joint to £1 value frozen veg, Iceland is doing what it can to help the older generation keep costs down across its product ranges.
This also includes everyday essentials, such as Typhoo teabags, Nescafe instant coffee, biscuits and whole milk.
Also available is an array of Iceland ready meals that can be cooked straight from frozen, like chicken curry with rice, cottage pie,and vegetable lasagne.
The 10% discounts will be available in-store only and to receive the over 60s discount, shoppers simply need to show proof of age at the checkout, which could be a driving license, senior bus pass, senior railcard, or ‘Freedom Pass’.
Iceland also provides a free same-day delivery service for shoppers who spend a minimum of £20 in-store, allowing customers to pick up all their fresh and frozen favourites then choose their preferred delivery time.
Iceland will then keep their shopping chilled or frozen until it’s time to deliver it later that day.
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Speaking on the new discount, Richard Walker, Managing Director at Iceland, said: “We have a long history of supporting our over 60s customers, such as when we launched ‘Elderly Hour’ at the height of the pandemic.
“The cost of living crisis has made support for these customers even more important, which is why I’m proud that we’re finding new ways to support them, including the launch of this discount. We hope it will help all those in this age category to cut costs where they can.”
Image: The Manc Group
Iceland is the first UK chain to make changes for shoppers based on age.
The 10% discount is the latest in a series of measures the supermarket has rolled out to help elderly customers.
At the start of the pandemic, the supermarket lead the way with its ‘Elderly Hour’ exclusive shopping periods. Iceland also offered £30 vouchers to those receiving state pension as part of a regional trial last Christmas.
Following the success of the trial, the retailer is now exploring a national rollout ready for Summer 2022.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.