Impact data and claims within this report are provided by the project creator and have not been independently verified by Spacehive.
‘Independence Support Service’ to assess and support older people coming out of lockdown isolation, helping them to regain confidence and ability so they can live independently and happily at home.
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:
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:
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.
Gallery
Location Bourton-on-the-Water
About the space
North Cotswolds, remote rural area with limited services, little public transport and hidden poverty
Council
Cotswold District Council
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Journey
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Fantastic news! We've reached the target with wonderful support from our local community - huge thanks to every person who has backed the campaign - our individual pledgers and local groups too, we couldn't have done it without you. A shout out for Cotswold District Council for launching the Cotswold Crowdfunder for local projects like our Independence Support Service, helping older people regain their confidence after lockdown. It's cakes in the office today... Thanks again everyone.
Brilliant news, thanks everyone!
Whoop, 50 people have pledged since fundraising began!
Wow! – we are 98% funded, thanks to new backers today, including generous donations from Moreton Flower Club and North Cotswold Rotary Club. Just £638 needed and 18 days to go...keep 'liking' and 'sharing', thank you everyone for fantastic support! PS we hope you like the new Independence Service logo.
How will the money be spent?Total £41,571
Costs Breakdown
This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.
Total £41,571
Our Volunteer List
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VolunteerCotswold Friends' volunteer-led community services bring friendship and practical support to over 2000 older, isolated, vulnerable people throughout the North Cotswolds. We aim to reduce loneliness and isolation, improve health and well-being and support independent living for those who are older and alone.
Our 6 sustainable services are preventative and part of our 'Ageing Well' Programme to keep people fit, active, connected, and cared for by their community. In normal times:
Community Transport: our 120 volunteer drivers enable clients to get out and about for practical, medical and social needs. In 2020 they drove 14,700 journeys! Recently they've been taking people to their vaccine appointments.. Highly cost effective, this service is a lifeline and interconnects with Cotswold Friends' other services.
Community Activities: with 66 volunteers, we run 14 Lunch Clubs, 2 'Craft & Chat' group, 3 'Men in Sheds' projects, Community Singing, Gentle Walking, Walking Football / Netball groups, around 800 people take part each month. Regular social contact and exercise assists well-being, keeps people fit and active.
Befriending: our volunteers make weekly friendship/support visits to clients. During lockdowns they have befriended by Telephone. This simple friendship alleviates loneliness, isolation, helps individuals live in their own homes for longer. They can join in regular community events, with transport and support if needed.
Intergenerational Befriending: local Sixth form students make weekly visits to nearby care home residents, in lockdown they've kept in touch via penpal letters and short videos.
Carer Support Service: trained volunteers give regular respite breaks for carers and befriend the cared-for person. Together they can join in events and activities with transport and personal care, The programme also runs Memory Clubs; Day Clubs, peer support and provides training and advice to carers.
Independence Service: newly established to support those emerging from lockdown to regain their lives afer long isolation.
Hospital Service: combining Transport, Befriending, Carer Support, our scheme supports people admitted to hospital - going in, during and coming home from, their hospital stay.
If you are interested in volunteering, or know someone who might need Cotswold Friends, please contact us.
View our film at
Cotswold Friends Charity Film | Cotswold Friends | Supporting older and vulnerable people in the North Cotswolds
Project Owner: Cotswold Friends The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.
