Pioneering Care Partnership, based in Newton Aycliffe, which supports primarily older people across the county has received a grant of £20,000 towards the salary of its events and activities project co-ordinator. The grant has been made by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales through its Community Open programme.
Recognising that many older people in the Sedgefield borough live in isolated rural areas, the Pioneering Care Partnership has been running its ‘Your Health Roadshows’ for the past few years funded on an ad hoc basis. Jane Hartley, chief executive at Pioneering Care Partnership commented, “We were really struggling to get funding for the post, plus our events and activities programme; it is some of the most important work we do. We can now start focusing on developing a new programme of roadshows and activities in the community as they have previously proved to be very successful at reaching older people.”
One of the areas Pioneering Care Partnership will be focusing on is creating events around common areas of interest, for example, healthy eating or line dancing. At the same time, people will be able to find out information on many areas including, benefits, home security and home safety services.
Pioneering Care Partnership is currently recruiting for new volunteers, to support the roadshows and help local people lead healthier lifestyles. Full training is provided which can lead to qualifications useful in gaining employment. Anyone interested should call Bev Gent, community health volunteer co-ordinator on 01325 321234.
Peter Ellis, North East manager for the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales commented, “Over 1,000 people have benefited from the roadshows so far. We are delighted to help continue bringing essential support using a social and interactive event into the heart of local communities.”
The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales supports charities that help disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community. Local or regional charities with an income of £1million or less in the North East can find out more about the funding criteria and grant programmes at www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk.
