Village Care - Help for Older People

The Village Care Programme provides development support and practical help to rural communities, key activists, groups and organisations so that isolated and vulnerable older people, and their carers:

• remain active, independent, healthy and happy and, as appropriate, in their home, with their family and in their community

• have choices and a role in shaping a wide range of enjoyable, stimulating activities and services

• know where to go for information, advice and advocacy.

The Village Care Programme: • helps rural communities identify their own skills, knowledge and resources so they can identify and implement achievable, sustainable solutions to meet locally defined health and wellbeing needs

• facilitates the development of a wide range of community-based activities that increase levels of physical exercise, improve mental health, reduce obesity, improve nutrition and provide a range of enjoyable, stimulating experiences

• develops the capacity and capabilities of volunteers in priority areas with direct support and to access resources from other local and national organisations

• increases community cohesion and reduces isolation and exclusion.

Current work includes:

• a range of social activities; pop in centres, lunch & social clubs, carers’ support groups, activity groups

• support groups, neighbourhood and befriending schemes, volunteer car schemes, community transport schemes

• development of and support to day opportunities for older people

• health promoting activities and events, including cookery, nutrition, exercise, dancing, music, craft, IT & learning

• specialist services for people with dementia and their carers

• networking between village groups

• partnerships with statutory and voluntary agencies to exchange information and good practice, and to develop joint projects

• links and signposting to agencies providing local services.

Contact Us

If you are interested in finding out more about the Village Care Programme please contact:

Claire Reynolds, Administrator, Action in rural Sussex Email: claire.reynolds@ruralsussex.org.uk Telephone: 01273 407305