MELKSHAM Community Support, a partnership between Age UK Wiltshire, Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council, has celebrated the end of its first year.
The project has enabled an Age UK Wiltshire worker, Sarah Thomson, to be based in the Melksham area, visiting people at home, helping them to resolve practical difficulties, access information and advice and become better connected with their communities.
“So far, Sarah has supported almost 100 people, and feedback has been very positive,” says spokesperson for Age UK Wiltshire, Kate Brooks.
One of the people supported through the project says, “I have moved pharmacies and they are delivering my prescriptions to me for free. This is good! I have been awarded the higher rate of attendance allowance – and it was backdated. I didn’t know I was entitled to anything.”
Another person said, “I feel much happier. Thank you for all your help and support. I was feeling so confused, but now I am confident the best choice has been made.”
The project has built on the success of the Melksham Community Support service, which started in March 2020 and provided a staggering amount of support to people who were shielding at home during the pandemic. During that time, dozens of volunteers supported the local community by delivering shopping and prescriptions and providing companionship and support, many of whom continue to provide this support to this day.
Funding for the project has now been confirmed for a second year.
“I’d really encourage people to get in touch with me to arrange a chat,” says Sarah. “I can give information, support and help with a wide range of issues, including helping people to get out and about more, helping to put more money into people’s pockets, supporting people to take action to reduce their risk of falling and helping people to be more connected with their community. I have lots of information about events and activities in the Melksham area, and transport options, and if people are worried about going somewhere new alone, a volunteer can go along with them.”
Sarah also says many people who get in touch are experiencing big changes, such as worsening health, bereavement, house moves or increasing care needs. Having someone alongside as people navigate these challenges can be really valuable.
“Our aim is to help with the immediate practical issues, for example making sure people have the food and medication they need, but also to provide holistic support, to help people to be able to live independently for longer and to overcome the barriers to having a good later life,” explained Sarah.
“We still receive requests for help with shopping and prescriptions and are very grateful to the volunteers who help, some of whom have been involved since the beginning of the first lockdown. We’d love to welcome more volunteers to the Melksham Community Support team, to provide a range of support including helping with practical tasks, providing companionship and supporting people to be out and about.”
Whether you are an older person who would like to find out more about how we can help, or a volunteer keen to support your local community, please do get in touch, on 01225 809265 or at melksham@ageukwiltshire.org.uk.
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