Reunite and Reconnect is funded by Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership (GAMP) with the aim of connecting the community by addressing social isolation and low activity in older people in Newton Aycliffe. The focus is to confront loneliness, reduce social anxiety & fight isolation reducing the risk of deterioration by providing social activities both indoors and outdoors. During the term of the programme we will be able to improve mental health and the overall wellbeing of individuals.
Having launched and piloted our successful Wise Owls project during lockdown in Newton Aycliffe we are now able to widen the beneficiaries of the sessions enabling us to provide a service to any older individuals who may be suffering. This includes things such as:
– Introduction and slow integration to the programme
– Provide weekly outreach sessions
– Food and activity packs delivered to homes
– Craft & activity sessions
– A free 2-hour weekly coffee morning at St Clare’s Church on Mondays 10am-12pm, providing transport if needed.
We fully understand the impact Covid 19 has had on individuals heightening social isolation and reducing confidence with the older generation still hesitant to leave their homes. With this in mind we aim to reach out with welfare checks including:
– Weekly telephone calls
– Door stop chats
– One to One walks
– Food & activity packs
– Support with shopping
– Signposting to relevant agencies offering extra support
Elderly people in care homes and supported living have been affected dramatically being unable to see their families, therefore we are currently working with care homes to provide and support craft sessions on site.
We know that providing this programme we will be able to bring the community back together and build friendships amongst people, leading to external trips.
Amy Sture
Community Project Manager
Groundwork NE & Cumbria