We have identified 4 great ways that you might like to contribute to support ageing members of your community. There are of course hundreds of ways that you could volunteer, to help you find these we have listed other organisations that offer such opportunities in our ‘Useful Links’ Section.
1. Silverline →
This national charity set up by former TV presenter Esther Ranson offers a single phone number for elderly people to call for a chat. Living alone can be lonely so this simple but highly effective free service provides great comfort to users. If you are willing to take phone calls from Silverline callers please complete the form below and we will ask Siverline to contact you.
2. Home Alone
As we get older things change and family members living together disperse and partners pass on. For those who are left behind, the prospect of living alone can be daunting and lonely.
That said many prefer to stay in their own home for as long as they are able and having a regular visitor just ‘pop in’ can prove a great comfort and be the difference between feeling isolated and disconnected from the rest of society.
For some it will be as simple as adopting a neighbour who lives alone but for others we can link you up with someone who lives nearby working closely with Age UK in your area.
If you feel you could spare some time to take on this regular commitment please complete the form below and we will be in touch to progress your kind offer of support.
3. Home Guard
During the war, thousands volunteered to look after our neighbourhoods keeping us safe from possible invasion.
In peace time with more people living longer and moving into care homes or having carers visit their home there is a new need to protect our most vulnerable and ensure they are getting the care they deserve to maintain their dignity and, as far as possible, their independence.
People arrested and taken to Police custody enjoy the protection provided by custody visitors, who can visit any custody block at anytime without notice to ensure agreed systems are being followed. They talk to staff and prisoners to ensure they are happy with the way they are being looked after and that their rights are being upheld.
The new ‘Home Guard’ will be made up of local volunteers who will work in pairs and carry regular unannounced visits to care homes. They will also work with relatives to visit those receiving care in their own homes to get feedback on the quality of the service being provided. Where concerns are identified these will be discussed with Local Government, NHS, Care Providers and in serious cases the Care Quality Commission.
This is a new and vital way that volunteers can make a real difference to the health and well- being of our ageing population.
We are looking for coordinators and volunteers, so if you think this is something you would like to do please complete the form below and we will be in touch.
4. Care Watch →
When it comes to selecting a holiday or even a restaurant the opinions of other consumers is often invaluable with Web sites such as ‘Tripadvisor’ leading the way.
Whilst a trip away or a night out are important choosing a care home for yourself or someone you love is critical. The more information you have available to help make an informed choice the better.
Now, for the first time you can see and share your experience and rate the care homes you or a relative live in.
To get you started we have listed the care homes we know about so you can tell us what you think and provide a rating.
You can also upload your pictures and address details of any care home we have not listed and companies who provide care visits to your home or that of friend or family member.
Over time, we are confident that Care Watch will become a critical part of the background research prior to selecting a care home or agency to provide care support at home.
Contact Us
We very much welcome your comments, suggestions and questions. Please email mike@agewithpride.co.uk or phone Mike Leonard on 07778 842831. Or use the contact form below and we’ll contact you.