North Sefton Social Inclusion Project for Older People

The Social Inclusion Project was set up in 1996 in response to consultation with older people by Sefton Social Services, Sefton Health Authority (now Southport and Formby Primary Care Trust) and Sefton Council for Voluntary Service.

The project began to recruit volunteers to visit socially isolated older people in their homes for approximately one hour per week. This stimulated the people who received visits and helped to combat loneliness and depression.
As the project developed there was an increasing demand for a shopping service in the north of the borough. In May 2004 the project launched the Southport and Formby Shopping Service. This is a service for older people who are housebound and have nobody to shop on their behalf. There is a small charge for this service of £2.00 every time we shop. This is to offset the cost of transport needed for deliveries.

The project is hoping to start a new service in 2007 called O.P.E.N. (Older People’s Empowerment Network). This is a 10-week programme of taster sessions to encourage older people who have lost their confidence to join in clubs and activities.

People can lose their confidence for a number of reasons: having had a fall, a long illness or stay in hospital, a disability, or bereavement.

It is hoped that this programme will run on a rolling basis with referrals from the people themselves, GP, hospital, social worker etc.

Volunteer shoppers with the Social Inclusion Project

The project has also redesigned and printed the Older Person’s Help Guide for Southport and Formby. This lists both useful telephone numbers and gives details of clubs and activities throughout Southport and Formby.

If you would like more information on the North Sefton Social Inclusion Project or any of the services it runs please call Jan Hughes on 01704 501024 ext 203. You can also call this number if you would like to volunteer for any of the services or if you would like a paper copy of the Older Person’s Help Guide. Alternatively, email jan.hughes@seftoncvs.org.uk

Contact details

For more information, contact Jan Hughes on 01704 501024, ext. 203, or click here to send an email.

Click here to download a copy of the Older Persons Help Guide.

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