Project in Derby City reaches out to isolated seniors
Posted on Tue 27 September 2011
Case Study: Sinfin Seniors Trust, awarded £3,820
Founded in 1976, the Sinfin Seniors Trust in Derby City was awarded a grant from Fair Share Trust to fund transport costs and some entrance fees for a variety of trips to places of interest for one year. The group started meeting as part of the Sinfin Moor Club. When the building closed down the club was able to relocate to Kestrel House, a sheltered housing complex for elderly residents, some of whom have learning difficulties or Alzheimer's.
Since the group started using Kestrel House as its base, they have made a positive difference to its residents. They found that some residents did not have the confidence to mix with others or even venture out on any of the visits planned by the group. Nevertheless, the group overcame issues with mobility and confidence so that as many residents as possible could take part in the trips. These have been so successful that a larger coach is now booked every time and 2 extra volunteers are needed for each trip. Derby Homes have shown an interest in what this group is achieving and have expressed an interest in trying to set up a similar scheme in other sheltered home complexes that they run.
The group is also planning other strategies to reach out to those who feel isolated and do not get out often. According to the project manager, “the group basically does everything together and all help each other. Now that they are getting more people on the trips they have to occasionally ask a family member to help and are considering taking on 2 more volunteers to help out regularly.”
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