Fair Shares

We have received funding from the Department of Health's Volunteering Fund to develop the Rest Assured scheme which guarantees members of the time bank two weeks of support following an accident or unexpected stay in hospital, with other participants running errands, visiting or doing shopping or whatever else is needed.

Through the project we will expand our area of operation in rural areas in the Forest of Dean (beyond Newent) and the Cotswolds (beyond Moreton and Mickleton).

This project involves three activities:

• Developing partnerships with statutory services and setting up procedures for referrals through GPs, district nurses, care workers and social services staff, using the development of Rest Assured as a means of initial dialogue
• Using the resources provided by the community, through the time bank to provide additional support for those referred, promoting independence at home and /or increasing support networks
• Enabling people to request day to day support which meets their needs, increasing the choice and control people have over the help they receive

NEEDS AND EVIDENCE

The ageing population is a key issue locally, mirroring the national picture – an ageing population with increased distance between families and a marked reduction in community support, ‘neighbours helping neighbours’ etc., creating a greater demand for care services.  The economic crisis and reduced budgets puts extra pressures on the system.

These problems are in some ways exacerbated by the population and geography of Gloucestershire, particularly the ageing population and rurality of the county.

In Local Area Agreements, Health Profiles and local surveys, support for older people is identified consistently. The Gloucestershire Health & Community Wellbeing Partnership report “Healthy Gloucestershire: Health and Community Wellbeing Strategy ... 2008 – 2018” predicts that the population of older people (aged 65+) is projected to increase by at least 50% by 2029, from 107,000 to 166,000 and the growth is predicted across all districts.  There will be corresponding increases in older people aged 80+ and lone pensioner households (from the current 47,000 to 76,000 by 2026).  The report notes that the ageing population means that more older people will need care and support.

In rural areas, older people and those with disabilities already face problems due to the lack of amenities, poor transport and geographical isolation which impacts on independence and access to services.

We know that time banking helps support older people and other vulnerable residents in our communities.

Contact:
NORTH COTSWOLDS Office
The Moreton Area Centre
High Street
Moreton in Marsh
GL56 0AX
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
tel: 01608 812338


NEWENT & FOREST OF DEAN Office
Chill out zone
36 Broad Street
Newent
GL18 1AJ
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
tel: 01531 820224