Free cost of living support initiative for older adults
Posted on: February 13, 2023
What it’s all about
We know there are some amazing and very successful schemes out there providing warm spaces for vulnerable older people through the cold and dark winter months.
Independent Age and North Essex Support team (NEST)are concerned about those older adults trapped in their own homes because of illness, vulnerability, or infirmity. We are concerned about how they will be able to keep warm indoors, afford to heat their homes all day or to cook hot, healthy, wholesome and nutritious meals.
We have therefore joined forces to offer a FREE support package .
There are three strands to our project:
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1:1 outreach work providing 150 older adults in Tendring and Colchester with slow cookers, and ingredients for hot meals;
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1: 1 outreach providing a “Hug in a Bag”™ (containing warm clothing and bedding) for the same cohort.
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300 meals over the course of 3 months via a part-funded fortnightly lunch in a group setting such as a community café provided on a “pay what you can” basis.
As well as providing immediate, short-term relief from the pressures of the cost of living crisis, our project will also ensure older adults are better connected to networks of other services and support. Each referral includes a fire safety check and an assessment to determine what other support might be required.
This may include intensive 1:1 support over a period of 6-9 months to support the service user to achieve positive changes in their lives, find their feet, increase resilience and confidence and deliver overall improvement to their quality of life. The service is bespoke – entirely tailored to the requirements and wishes of the service user who works with our case worker to develop an action plan based on outcomes the service user has identified for themself.
Referrals
This is a pilot project. Support packages are offered on a first come first served basis. Referrals can be made by the older adult themselves, staff from both statutory and voluntary/community services, volunteers, as well as family members and members of the public.
Referrals can be made:
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By telephone, or
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By email.
You will find a referral form attached to this letter. We are relying on our colleagues and partners to help us identify and help those who are most in need.
If you want to find out more, please get in touch with Les Nicoll on 07779129888 or Kate Hardy on 07591386732
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