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• December
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• Targeted help for helping older people

Knowsley is leading the way in targeting help and advice to older and more isolated people in the community.

A comprehensive booklet packed with information and advice for such residents has already won two awards and has other councils and voluntary organisations around the country keen to copy it.

The booklet was developed by the Outreach for Older People project group (OOP) which brings together a wide range of people who work in the community, including district nurses, health visitors, carers and Knowsley Council’s IKAN team.

Paul Mavers of Age Concern Knowsley said: “The original request for a booklet of this kind came from Knowsley Older People’s Voice, a local forum backed by Knowsley Council and the Primary Care Trust.

“This is a great example of the community asking for something and a vast range of local agencies, charities and community groups working in partnership to deliver it.

“The booklet has been widely welcomed in the borough and we’ve also had enquiries about copying it from organisations as far afield as London, Leeds and Manchester.

“It has already helped a number of residents and should be really useful this winter by providing a mass of tips and contacts to help keep warm, safe and well.”

The booklet contains extensive colour-coded information ranging from health and social care to finances and leisure and social activities.

Simple-to-use question and answer cards cover such topics as “I have some concerns about my health. Who can I contact for advice, as I cannot easily get out?” and “How can I join a group where I will continue to learn?”

Cllr Jayne Aston, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Heath and Social Care and Knowsley’s Champion for Older People, says:

“I believe an information booklet like this one is essential for older people who, for a number of reasons, do not get to engage with the local community as much as they would wish. The booklet should assure them that if they need support or advice of any kind, it is only a phone call away.”

The publication has won two awards, the Public Health Partnership Award from the North West Public Health Awards 2006 and the Environmental; Communication Award from Groundwork Merseyside 2006.

It was developed with the Knowsley Older People’s Voice and representatives from Age Concern Knowsley, Knowsley Social Services, Knowsley Primary Care Trust, Knowsley PALS, Knowsley Borough Council, Knowsley Borough Branch Alzheimer’s Society, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, Knowsley’s Ageing Well Group, The Princess Royal Trust Knowsley Carers Centre, Care And Repair Knowsley, and Knowsley MBC Energy Efficiency Team.

* If you would like a copy of the booklet or need more information about the Outreach for Older People (OOP) group contact Age Concern on 0151 443 4875.


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