Supporting older people - Do you need help to remain independent in your home?

Community First New Forest is the new provider of the New Forest Community Support Service, whose aim is to help older people with continued independence in their home. The service, funded by Hampshire County Council, is successfully supporting over 300 people in the New Forest District and is keen to help more older people with independence.

The service has a team of trained support workers who are providing support across a range of needs. Examples include benefits advice, housing/tenancy related needs, exploring housing options, providing a home safety check, organising adaptations to your home, information on local social groups and events, arranging community transport or help in arranging any care needs/home help.

Michael Clowes, Chief Executive, commented ‘this service is a lifeline for many older people, where that little bit of help makes a big difference. We are here to help older people feel safe and secure, to be able to enjoy their time in their home and to have access to services that will help them. Many older people do not know what is available or how to access support services. We can help with this. We have a real passion about improving quality of life and I know there are many more older people who would benefit from this service’

Recent feedback from a family helps to show how much the service is valued, “on behalf of my husband and myself I would like to thank you for the care and attention you are showing to Mum. In particular the help you gave her in applying for an attendance allowance which is going to make such a difference to her and the encouragement to start to have a cleaner to aid her.”

The support service is free for the first 12 weeks of support.  After 12 weeks clients may have to pay an hourly rate but if they are in receipt of a means tested benefit such as council tax benefit or pension credits, they will continue to receive the service free of charge.

If you would like to find out more about this service, or if you know someone who might benefit from this type of support contact Community First New Forest on 01425 478005 or visit their website www.cfnf.org.uk.

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Archstone House, Pullman Business Park, Pullman Way, Ringwood BH24 1HD

Telephone: 01425 482773            Fax: 01425 482666            Email: [email protected]

Registered in England as a company limited by guarantee.

Registered Charity No: 1068964 Registered Company No: 3483827