Our local volunteers support older, isolated and vulnerable people throughout the North Cotswolds: over the last year many older people have been housebound and alone for so long that they've lost confidence and ability. As lockdown restrictions lift, they need help and support to regain their lives outside the house - to go out, take a short walk, do their own shopping, join in a local club, social activity or event and use local transport. Gradually they can gain confidence, both mental and physical strength, and get their lives back. Our Independence Support Service is designed to identify and respond to those people who have lost so much in lockdown. Working closely with individuals, our Independence Support Service Manager, together with the support of local trained volunteers, will enable many older people to re-establish a more independent life from the safety of their own home, improving their quality of life and general wellbeing.

What we'll deliver:

• a project leader to coordinate the service, assess clients' needs
• recruit at least 50 volunteers to befriend and support clients
• training and guidance for volunteers
• identify at least 50 people who need this service
• complete 50 assessments and start clients' wellbeing programme

Why it's a great idea:

The scheme will be a tremendous boost to the wellbeing of local older people in North Cotswolds It will enable them to get out and about again, re-join their local community Strengthening older people's independence means there is less long-term strain on social and health services, fewer hospital admissions and less dependence on care home places

Steps to get it done:

• identify vulnerable clients for independence service
• complete 20 assessment visits and agree individual plans for clients
• match volunteers to clients where needed
• at 6 week stage review progress for individuals on scheme
• at 3 months have up to 50 clients and volunteers on scheme
• at 3 months aim to have successfully achieved independent living for 20 clients?

The Independence Service for older people is one of 6 community services provided by over 400 Cotswold Friends volunteers, it links closely with our other services - Transport, Befriending, Community Activities, Carer Support and Hospital Service, ensuring that older people are looked after and connected within their community, able to live independently at home for longer.