Working with partners to support Shropshire’s vulnerable

Shropshire Council is working alongside partners in the voluntary and community sector to look at new ways of support to make sure we provide the best possible service that meets the needs of local people.

As a council we want to reassure local people that we are committed to provide a wider choice of services for vulnerable people to help them remain independent. This is not about taking services away, it is about making sure people get the support they need, and to provide services like community meals, in the most effective way.

We have been working with WRVS to maximise the skills and time of volunteers in increasing the depth of social contact with those who are most vulnerable and in need. With WRVS we have been developing their ‘Good Neighbour Service’ to provide practical support such as attending appointments, social events, as well as looking into the best solutions to meet the needs of our customers.

Councillor Simon Jones, Cabinet member for adult social care, said,

“We absolutely value the work of the voluntary sector, such as WRVS, as our partners in this, and believed that there are better opportunities to develop what they do. We believe this development moves us forward making sure we deliver the right kind of service to the right people in the most affordable way.”

As a council we do also remain committed to providing community meals. Using the delivery of frozen meals means that the quality and choice of food on offer is much better than the traditional ‘hot’ meals. Almost half of the meals are already delivered frozen, and many people prefer them that way because there is more choice, the nutritional value is better and meals can be tailored to meet the individual’s dietary needs. Moving from hot to frozen meals also means that the customer can choose the time of day that they eat them.

The recent Meals on Wheels review was about how community meals fit the broader preventative agenda, and was aimed to ensure the council provides the best possible care, including support with community meals, as well as making sure they receive any other service which meets the customers’ needs.

The review into the Meals on Wheels service will improve the level of support being given to the people who need it the most and in many cases, this will mean better services and more benefits, rather than less.