Event to share information for older people, carers and volunteers

An event is taking place in Wem on Monday 7 April 2014 as part of an initiative which is offering support and guidance to help older people to be active and independent.

Representatives of 26 organisations including 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 will be on hand at Wem Town Hall between 10am and 2pm to share information for older people, carers and volunteers.

People can also seek advice on ageing well for themselves, or for someone they know, from a new community co-ordinator.

The new community co-ordinator role and the event are part of a local commissioning ageing well project in Wem. The scheme is looking to develop and make the most of community facilities and community-based initiatives for older people, and to co-ordinate voluntary activity.

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 that services are right for their needs.

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

“I would urge anyone in the area who would like to find out more about the support available for older people and carers – and anyone who would like to discuss opportunities to volunteer in the community – to come along to the event.”

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

In addition, Darren can 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.

Pauline Dee, Shropshire councillor for Wem Town, Wem Rural and Whixall, and chair of the board governing local commissioning work in the town, added:

“I am very pleased that our community co-ordinator, Darren Edwards, has been able to engage so well with the public at his weekly attendances at Wem Town Hall.  He has certainly made a difference to those who have visited him over the last four weeks and this is what local commissioning is all about.”

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