A new service to support people to stay safe and well this winter has been launched.
Shropshire Council is working alongside the British Red Cross, Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin and the wider Wellbeing and Independence Partnership to ensure that residents have easy access to support where needed.
The Winter Support Service is part of our ‘5 Ways to Winter Wellness’ campaign which highlights the ways in which people can remain both physically and mentally well. In addition to wellbeing, this campaign will focus on the role and importance of vaccinations and the things we can all do to protect ourselves again winter illnesses.
What will the Winter Support Service provide?
The service can offer assessment and ongoing support to people identified as needing help, including:
- Transport returning home from hospital
- Settling people in at home following discharge from hospital
- Fitting of low-level equipment such as key safes and pendant alarms
- Collecting and delivering medications
- Shopping and delivery
- Wellbeing home visits
- Companionship for isolated or lonely people
The service can’t offer a crisis response or personal care, but it will work as part of the health and care system to ensure people get the support they need through appropriate referrals and signposting.
Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:
“I’m delighted that our successful wellbeing and independence service has expanded to provide even more support to those who could be at risk during the winter months. Our Winter Support Service will support vulnerable people to maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing through the winter when the effects of the pandemic remain serious and significant.
“I encourage people who feel they could benefit from support to maintain their independence at home to talk to us about what could be put in place to make a difference.”
As part of the service, the council will also be making outbound calls to people we have identified as potentially needing extra support. Please be aware that our advisors will never ask for bank account details over the phone.
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:-
“Welfare and wellbeing are a key part of ‘5 Ways to Winter Wellness’, along with vaccinations, protecting yourself against coronavirus, looking after your mental health and getting active. Throughout the coming months we will be highlighting the ways you can stay safe, healthy and active when the weather gets colder and the nights draw in.
“It’s really important that we support people to stay well and independent at home where possible to avoid putting additional pressure on the NHS this winter. We are here to help so if you are worried about anything or need extra support, please speak to us.”
How do I find out more?
Local residents and those who support people in the community can call the Winter Support Service helpline on 0345 678 9012 in order to find out more and be referred where appropriate. This phoneline will be open Mondays-Fridays, 9am to 5pm.
