Community Support Service Samantha Clark Cwm Taf Locality Manager

The community support service aims to tackle the growing need for targeted

person centred support, for socially isolated and

vulnerable older people aged fifty five years and over

Why is it needed ?

What will the service offer to beneficiaries?

Support and assistance to access services to help improve their health & well being Support and assistance to access services that can help to improve their home environment and make it safer/easier to maintain Support and assistance to access information that may improve their financial situation Encourage and support individuals to play a more active role within their local community through participation in social/recreational activities, lifelong learning opportunities and/or volunteering

Provision of information

Signposting

Advocacy

Linking up to services

Support

Encouragement

This time limited service will be offered to individuals for up to maximum period of 12 weeks

A detailed individual assessment of need, prepared with service beneficiaries, will be undertaken and a personal action plan prepared. The plan will outline specific objectives that will be delivered, through the support of dedicated volunteers and full participation of service beneficiaries, with weekly monitoring

Dedicated volunteers will provide companionship, coaching and peer mentoring throughout the support period. The service will enable beneficiaries to build their confidence, awareness and access local support & social networks

Service will be available Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm

How will the service be delivered?

Service user A was living on her own and was struggling to maintain herindependence. Upon receiving a flyer about the community support service she contacted the service, seeking support.

Upon discussion with service user A it became apparent that she felt unsafe within her own home and was struggling with getting around her house due to mobility problems. The community support service assisted her to access the local bobby scheme which enabled her to have additional door & window locks fitted in her home making her feel more secure. A referral to the local care and repair service also resulted in grab rails being fitted throughout the house which enabled service user A to move more safely around her home. The Red Cross PALS service was also able to provide her with aids to daily living which allowed her to remain independent but undertake tasks such as cooking and bathing more safely.

While visiting service user A, the community support service identified other areas with which she needed assistance. For example, although the service user did not directly express her loneliness, at times it was clear that she lacked companionship due to her husbands death. As a result the community support service connected service user A with social groups such as a local Sight Support book club meeting, in which she was able to socialise with individuals with similar problems. Service user A has expressed how pleased she has been with the support the British Red Cross community support service has provided.

Case study

Reduction in social isolation

Improved health/well being & quality of life as a result of the support packages put into place through the intervention of the service

Improved awareness of and increased confidence in individuals assisted by the project to access local support services available to them.

Improved community cohesion through individuals supported by the service being assisted to become more involved in their local communities

Improved engagement & participation of vulnerable individuals within the communities in which the service will be delivered

Greater number of individuals supported & empowered to influence policy & decision about services in their community

Volunteering & skills/learning opportunities offered within the local communities

Outcomes

Your local Community Support Service contact details:

Community Support Team LeaderEmail: MerthyrCSS@redcross.org.uk

British Red Cross Unit 14B Taff Business Centre

Tonteg RoadTrefforestCF375UA