Support in the community As we get older, staying involved with families, friends and local communities supports emotional and mental wellbeing, which is just as important as looking after physical health. Loneliness and isolation affect many people in later life; this affects quality of life and is shown to be harmful to health.
community-based care and support services. Over the last five years, we have supported the development of over 500 independent enterprises that offer flexible, local support for people to access the community, manage their homes and gardens and have their personal care needs met.
There are lots of clubs and groups in local communities across Somerset helping to keep people connected. These include:
Somerset’s micro-providers, who have joined the Micro-enterprise Development Programme, have all committed to Somerset’s ‘Doing it Right Quality Standards’.
• groups that meet to provide companionship – it may even be arranged for someone to collect you to take you to group meetings; • pubs that provide meals, often at great value, where you can meet up with friends; • befriending schemes, where volunteers can come and visit you at home or accompany you if you would like to go out; and • organisations that can help you with some domestic tasks, such as cleaning, shopping, gardening, or simple repairs to your property. You can visit our information and services website to explore lots more community support available in your area: www.somersetcommunityconnect.org.uk There are also regular Community Connect Talking Cafés held in a venue near you. See page 5 for more information about Community Connect. Help at home (micro-providers) Micro-providers are providers of very small,
To search for an accredited micro-provider in your local area, visit the Micro-Provider Directory on the Somerset Community Connect website: www.somersetcommunityconnect.org.uk/ micro-providers Regular drop-in Community Connect events are also held in a venue near you. See page 5 for more information on Community Connect. The Silver Line The Silver Line is a free, confidential helpline for older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Specially trained helpline staff can: • offer information, friendship and advice; • link callers to local groups and services; and • offer regular befriending calls. Tel: 0800 470 8090 Web: www.thesilverline.org.uk
Library services Somerset libraries offer a range of services, including reading for everyone, basic computer skills training, free computer use and Wi-Fi in a network of 34 libraries across the county. Talking books are available in many libraries and may be accessed free of charge by people who are blind, partially sighted, dyslexic or unable to hold printed books.
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There are special collections of recommended self-help books to help manage health and wellbeing – including dementia, mental health and autism collections. Library members can also download e-audio books and e-books from: www.librarieswest.org.uk
Se a rch f or ca r e a t www. ca re c h o i c e s .c o .u k t o fi n d s u p p o r t i n y o u r are a
