Time out

FUNDING ALLOWS TIME OUT TO HELP VULNERABLE ADULTS

Time Out was established by Tracey Watson and Julie Goodman who in their former roles as housing assessment officers saw first-hand the vast problem of isolation and loneliness in the local community.

The donation will enable co-ordinators to provide up to 150 hours of free services in order to promote independence and mental wellbeing among residents in Grendon, Baddesley, Wood End, Kingsbury and the surrounding areas, as they seek to fulfil personal and social engagements.

The service was launched with the support of Lori Harvey, Localities and Communities Officer at North Warwickshire Borough Council, and has proven extremely popular with a rapid increase in customer intake numbers.

Among those who have benefited is a Polesworth man with mobility problems who is taken to weekly bowls sessions while his wife is given some respite, and a young man with a learning disability who was taken to a local supermarket to shop while his mother, his main carer, was away on holiday.

The Time Out team, which has expanded to five, works closely with Social Care, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society and PCSOs for referrals. The money from the WPH Charitable Trust will allow further expansion over the next year to access more customers in the harder-to-reach areas of North Warwickshire.

Tracey said: “Loneliness plays a factor as our customers’ only social network might be a family member or friend who comes to help with essential tasks, or to take them to medical appointments.

“We can offer customers bespoke visits and trips out to meet with their own social needs which may not be able to be fulfilled by the carer.

“This allows the carer to have a break and focus on their own health and wellbeing. The knowledge that their loved ones are in safe hands is a comfort and all carers have commented on how our services are a big help to them too.”

Tracey said the funding has allowed Time Out co-ordinators to continue in their support for carers by providing the respite services for another year.

She added: “We want to thank the trustees of the WPH Charitable Trust for their support which is valued so much.”