New partnership to provide support to the over 60s in the Melksham area

A NEW partnership between Melksham Without Parish Council, Melksham Town Council and Age UK Wiltshire, will see a new project manager employed to support the over 60s in Melksham. 

“Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council are delighted to announce that they are working in partnership with Age UK Wiltshire to provide a dedicated project worker for their areas,” said MWPC clerk Teresa Strange.

“This new role will be funded by both councils, with a grant of £5,000 from the Melksham Area Board’s Health & Wellbeing fund and is initially for a year, with plenty of evidence being gathered as the project progresses for further sustainability. It’s planned for the next financial year, commencing 1st April, and is at a cost of £23,000.  The new project manager will oversee and manage the Melksham Community Support Scheme, which will help support older people to resolve practical difficulties, to access information and advice, and to become better connected with their communities.

“The Melksham Community Support service was originally borne out of the first Covid lockdown, which is now at its three-year anniversary, and provided a staggering amount of support by volunteers to residents who were shielding at home. The service continued providing support to any local residents who did not have a support network, with a small core of volunteer call handlers and residents still collecting prescriptions and undertaking shopping; under the Age Friendly Melksham banner.

“Moving forward, the new dedicated Age UK project worker will be recruiting, supporting and supervising the volunteers, who will provide a range of practical and other support to older people in the area served by Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council, including helping people with shopping, tasks around the home and offering companionship.

“It’s all about having a holistic approach to support planning and co-ordination of inputs from different professionals and organisations and to give access to residents for so much more than just their immediate practical needs, it’s about helping residents live independently longer, to help them overcome the barriers to living a good later life.

“Look out for more information about the new service for over 60s in coming weeks, and if you have any queries or would like to get involved, please contact either the town or parish council.

“Ring Melksham Town Council on 01225 704187 or email linda.roberts@melksham-tc.gov.uk or ring Melksham Without Parish Council on 01225 705700 or email clerk@melkshamwithout-pc.gov.uk