New community-based support service for North Somerset launched
Three local not-for-profit organisations have joined together to provide help for older people who need it; offering advice, signposting to support and encouraging participation in community life.
The new package of support has been commissioned by North Somerset Council as a replacement to the long-running Community Connect service which ended in September.
‘North Somerset Community Support’ introduces a new landscape of community-based support for older people by coordinating and bolstering services offered by Citizens Advice North Somerset (CANS), Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) and West of England Rural Network (WERN).
As of 1 October, the following assistance is available free of charge to residents over 50 years old and community groups serving this demographic:
Impartial, confidential and accountable advice on a range of issues; including benefits, debt, housing, family matters, immigration, employment and consumer rights.
Contact Citizens Advice on advice@nscab.org.uk or 01934 836201
Assistance from one of four Village Agents; on hand to link residents in rural areas with a broad range of help and support.
Contact WERN on villageagents@wern.org.uk or 07502 641805
Support for community groups, volunteers and local initiatives that promote local resilience, for example memory cafés, lunch clubs, carers groups etc.
Contact VANs on ians@vansmail.org.uk or 01934 416486
In commissioning the new service, North Somerset Council is bringing together existing VCSE organisations who are committed to developing a sustainable and coordinated approaches to helping older residents stay independent and maintain their wellbeing.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Elizabeth Longdon, Contracts and Commissioning Officer said, “We are pleased to be working with CANS, VANS and WERN to ensure older residents continue to have access to advice, support and community connections. It builds on the knowledge, relationships and strengths that already exist within North Somerset’s voluntary and community sector.”
Each organisation is contributing differently to the partnership – from helping people to better understand their rights, to connecting them with things that will help such as applying for a blue badge or making sure there are community groups locally they can join”.
Amy Jones, Chief Executive of CANS said, "At Citizens Advice North Somerset, we're committed to ensuring nobody is left behind when they need advice or support. We're here for everyone, whoever they are, whatever the problem, and we're delighted to be part of this partnership helping more older people access the support they need to make informed decisions, understand their rights and maintain their independence."
Phillip Vincent, Chief Executive of WERN said, “We’re delighted to continue the work of our Village Agents in North Somerset. My colleagues have provided person-centred outreach support to older residents living in rural communities for over 15 years helping them to maintain healthy, independent lives. We’re looking forward to working with our new partners to develop new approaches to strengthening the communities we serve.”
Dr. Mandy Gardner, Chief Executive of VANs said, “At VANS through our Improving Ageing in North Somerset programme, we're committed to supporting and improving access to a groups and services for older people in North Somerset. We're very pleased to be working with WERN, CANS and the council to help make North Somerset a better place for older people.”
ENDS