Staff teams from a recently formed voluntary sector self-help service are celebrating a successful first 12 months, after a string of positive outcomes across island communities.
The Living Well approach launched towards the end of 2017 and was designed to support islanders aged 18 and over, who have multiple low level needs. This free service focuses on early prevention, to safeguard against minor difficulties spiralling into a crisis, and promotes self help and independence.
The teams work together to inform and empower islanders to take positive steps in managing their own health and wellbeing, reducing the pressure on statutory services such as adult social care and the NHS.
The service, funded by the Isle of Wight Council, is delivered by four organisations working together; Age UK Isle of Wight, Carers IW, People Matter IW and The Way Forward Programme.
The first 12 months has seen huge successes, with 1,574 islanders being supported by the service since its launch in November 2017. 76% of clients who provided feedback reported increased confidence to live well, with 74% saying that they felt more confident to manage their own care.
Charlotte Price, Living Well Project Manager commented:
“We have made fantastic progress with the Living Well project in the first year, and we are so proud to have supported 1,574 people during this time. I would like to thank the Living Well team, Adult Social Care and all of the other organisations who have made referrals into the project. Early preventative support provided by Living Well is so important to the wellbeing and independence of the person; By working in partnership, we are now able to ensure that people get the right support at the right time from the right person.
“We are getting some amazing feedback from people, and this has been achieved by recognising the person we are working with as the expert, and by taking an holistic and individualised approach to generate the most effective impact on their wellbeing. We hope to grow the Living Well team further over the coming months, and to fully embed them within health and social care practice”
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The partnership aims to reduce pressure on local statutory services at St Mary’s Hospital, in the community, and Adult Social Care, by diverting demand and reducing the need for emergency admissions to hospital and nursing care.
The Living Well team will be out and about in supermarkets during the week of 12th November, providing shoppers with information about this successful free service. They continue to take referrals, full details can be found online at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/isleofwight/our-services/living-well-approach/.
You can also call 01983 525282 and ask for the Living Well Team, they will put you in touch with the most appropriate service for your needs. Or email [email protected].
All support and services provided through the Living Well approach are free of charge.
