Wem initiative supports people to age well

Support and guidance to help older people to be active and independent is available through a new community initiative in Wem. 

People are being invited to get advice on ageing well for themselves, or for someone they know, from a new community co-ordinator, who is a central point of contact and can link to a range of organisations in the area. 

The scheme is also looking to develop and make the most of community facilities and community-based initiatives for older people, and to co-ordinate voluntary activity. 

The approach has been developed as part of local commissioning work in Wem.  Local commissioning involves partners – including Shropshire Council, town councils, parish councils, the police, fire service, health and voluntary organisations – working more closely together and with people across each community.  With local leaders at the heart of the work, it aims to get the most out of the expertise, funds and resources in each community, and make sure services are right for their needs. 

The ageing well community co-ordinator, Darren Edwards, is available at Wem Town Hall between 10am and 4pm every Thursday and Friday. 

Darren can also visit people in the week and can be contacted on 01939 232299 or 07990 085906 or at darren.edwards@shropshire.gov.uk for further information. 

As part of the work an event is being hosted on Monday 7 April 2014 for a range of services to share information for older people, carers and volunteers.  This event will be held in the main hall of Wem Town Hall between 10am and 2pm, and will feature a number of organisations such as Age UK, the Royal Voluntary Service, Shropshire Rural Community Council, OSCA – Oswestry and Shropshire Citizen Advocacy, the Alzheimer’s Society, and Shropshire Council’s adult services. 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for local commissioning (north), said:

“Through this work we want to achieve more for older people, and in particular give people the best opportunity of living independently at home and of having an active social life.”  

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, said:

“This initiative builds on the work in Church Stretton to support people to age well, by responding to and co-ordinating approaches to older people.  We hope that by working in this way, we can help people to be active and healthy for as long as possible.” 

Darren Edwards added:

“I would urge people to get in touch.  Whether you need to know who to talk to about making positive changes to your life, or would just like to find out more about what’s happening and how you can contribute in your community, we are here to help.” 

Pauline Dee, a local Shropshire Councillor for Wem, and chair of the board governing local commissioning work in the town, said:

“Our discussions have shown that Wem is a resilient community with lots of activity and services for older people, but that there can be confusion about what is available, and there can be things in the way of older people getting involved.  Through taking a new approach we aim to make sure people can benefit from the great activities and services on offer.” 

Chris Mellings, also a local Shropshire councillor for Wem, added:

“The initiative is not just for older people, but also for relatives and friends who need help supporting loved ones, and those members of the community who would like to ‘give back’ and volunteer their time in service of others.  We’d love to hear from anyone who might like to volunteer to support the project.” 

Local commissioning work in Wem is also focusing on helping unemployed people to get into work.