Organisations and groups from across the Island will be setting out their stalls at the Island’s first Self Care Fair at Downside Community and Learning Centre, Furrlongs, Newport on 20th November, to help provide information and support to those living with long-term conditions.
The event, part of a national annual event – Self Care Week – which runs from 18th-23rd November is designed to help people living with a long-term condition – such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer and cardio-vascular problems – to care for themselves with access to support and information in the community.
Carers, families and friends of those living with long-term conditions and health and social care professionals are also encouraged to attend to find out more about the services and support available. Representatives from a wide variety of organisations including Age UK IW, Carers UK, Action on Hearing Loss, Alzheimer’s Society Dementia advisors, Isle of Wight Chronic Pain Support Group, Community Nurses, Wessex Cancer Trust and many others will be on hand to provide information at the event which will be open from 10:30 – 14:30.
Organised jointly by People Matter and Community Action Isle of Wight and supported by the NHS Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group and Isle of Wight Council, the fair is part of the My Life, a Full Life programme, a new initiative to get health, social care services, voluntary and community groups working together more effectively and efficiently to help improve the lives of people needing care and support.
Alison Geddes, Clinical Commissioning Manager for Long-Term Conditions said:
“Many people living with long-term conditions simply want a bit of extra support to enable them to remain independent and manage their own health and care, but they aren’t always aware of the wide range of support on offer right on their doorstep.
“We hope this event will put people in touch with those organisations and groups that can offer them support and advice so they can seek that extra bit of support that enables them to manage their health better and to live their life to the full.”
The event is free to attend and refreshments will also be available in the adjacent cafe at the Isobel Centre.
Those attending are also invited to drop in to the Independent Living Centre which will also be open on the day of the fair. The centre offers a free and impartial service to Island residents who are looking for equipment and advice to enhance their independence and enable them to continue living in their own home. The centre has rooms set up as the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom to enable people to try out aids and adaptations in a more realistic setting.
