A NEW organisation aimed at helping to support people with long term health conditions has been launched in Redditch.
The Redditch Community Advocacy Project is being funded by the borough council with the remit of helping sufferers to live well at home.
“Our experience suggests that for some vulnerable people living independently at home can be an isolating and lonely experience”, said Cathy Jackson-Read, deputy chief executive of Onside which is running the Project.
“Whilst their physical and care needs may be met they often feel confused about the number of people coming into their home and the different agencies involved and don’t always know what to do or who to turn to when services aren’t meeting their needs.
“Our community advocates will provide a single point of contact helping vulnerable adults to navigate their way around health and social care provision.”
All those with chronic, long term health issues or disabilities including older people and those with mental health issues and learning difficulties will come under its remit.
Onside was established as a registered charity in 1993 and currently works with more than 3,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged adults a year across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
It has also made contact with Redditch Carers Careline to an effort to identify carers of people with long term health conditions who themselves might be struggling to cope.
Onside’s volunteer staff will visit people regularly in their own homes providing a friendly face, social contact and a source of practical help and support.
They will also aim to help vulnerable people to better manage their own lives, understand the choices and options available to them and to express their views and wishes when services are not meeting their needs.
