Good neighbour scheme helps older people become independent
A unique scheme in the east and north of Birmingham is looking for more people to benefit from good neighbour volunteers.
Freshwinds B-Sage Good Neighbour Project is a well-being project for adults aged 50+, who are registered with an NHS Birmingham East and North GP and are living with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke or TIA (“mini-stroke”), chronic vascular disease, chronic kidney disease and heart failure.
Its aim is to enable older adults to live independently within the community by providing support and advice from a team of good neighbour volunteers. The good neighbour volunteers will be on hand to support people who face issues arising from health problems, disability, isolation and personal safety, and to help them access community groups, social activities and appointments.
In addition, individuals who are 65+ who are considered to be at a health risk or risk of falls can receive a low level service, providing advice, information and sign-posting only.
The project is funded by NHS Birmingham East and North and since October 2009 it has been aligned with Birmingham OwnHealth.
Dr Rhonda T. Lee, Vice President/Director Integrated Medicine at Freshwinds, said: “If you are 50 or over and have a GP in the NHS Birmingham East and North area – which includes Yardley, Acocks Green, Stechford, Sheldon, Shard End, Hodge Hill, Washwood Health, Bordesley Green, Tyburn, Stockland Green, Erdington, Oscott, Kingstanding and Sutton areas – and have any of the above health conditions, or you are 65 or over and at risk of having a health issue, you may be eligible for a volunteer from the project.
“The B Sage volunteer support workers can help with social and health visits, as well as offering carer respite and linking clients with local groups and organisations, enabling them to live more independently within the community.”
One of the people to benefit from B Sage is a 73 year old lady who lives alone in the east of the city. She has long term health issues including diabetes, heart failure and TIA, but a support plan has been drawn up to help with her mobility issues. She has now been referred to the Falls Prevention Team and Occupational Therapy, which has helped in her daily activities around the home. Her support worker will be going shopping with her, as well as accompanying her to GP appointments.
People can refer them selves to the service by completing the form on the website at www.freshwinds.org.uk/cms/b-sage-2. For further information, contact the B-Sage Team on 0121 415 6670 or email office@freshwinds.org.uk.
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Enquiries
For more information, please contact Sarah Millard, NHS Birmingham East and North Communications and Engagement Manager, on 0121 380 063 or sarah.millard@benpct.nhs.uk.
Notes for editors
• Birmingham OwnHealth is a healthcare service for people with long term conditions in Birmingham. It provides one-to-one healthcare in several languages over the telephone by health professionals designated to each member.
• The service helps people with conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease, stroke/TIA (“mini-stroke”), high blood pressure or are aged over 65 and would like help with a range of health conditions to make positive changes to their health and lifestyles and learn how to manage their conditions better.
• Birmingham OwnHealth is a partnership of NHS Birmingham East and North, UK Pfizer Health Solutions and NHS Direct. Pfizer Health Solutions is a group within Pfizer Limited that operates independently of Pfizer’s medicines business.
• The Birmingham OwnHealth website can be accessed at www.birminghamownhealth.co.uk