“To inspire the best care and well being at every stage of later life.”
That’s the mission of MHA East Surrey and Tanya Stafford, Cluster Development Manager.
And with Ms Stafford’s fizzing energy, success looks certain.
Live at Home operates like a club anyone who might benefit can join. Most members* are in the older age groups. They, their families (and often health advisers) know that making friends, learning and keeping the mind active is a great way to live at any age.
The variety of services on offer is truly impressive.
They include: Events of all kinds in Merstham, Redhill, Reigate, Horley, Banstead, Tadworth, Burgh Heath and surrounding areas. Dementia Friendly Clubs. For a change of scene Days Out and holidays. And for those who don’t want to leave home, visits from a Befriending volunteer.
The enthusiasm of Tanya and her team of staff and volunteers is infectious. They’re constantly seeking (and finding) imaginative** activities to engage members.
Meeting of minds
When Tanya (top picture left) met CARBS CEO Andrea Dunhill last week, the similarity of aims was obvious. Many CARBS clients have health issues made worse or even caused by anxiety about other problems. Citizens Advice can make the difference between someone living more happily at home and being unable to cope at all. Which of course is why Live at Home is so important!
Social prescribing
Another shared interest is the potential of social prescribing. The NHS long-term plan needs the community to do more to relieve pressure on stretched services; and it recognises that patients’ conditions are often not (or not primarily) related to illness. Health trust community link workers can advise clinicians on prescribing community activity instead of medical treatment. Find out more.
MHA East Surrey Live at Home is ideally placed to grow its contribution to this wise and timely development. At Citizens Advice we have experience of offering advice in health settings and think we too can play a bigger part in what could be a public health revolution.
* Currently some 170 members pay a small annual subscription and can take part in as many activities as they like. Across the borough Live at Home has over 100 volunteers who work with Tanya and the team to research and organise events, befriend members or even help them attend (a vital part of the service). ** Imaginative?? Try these: Exercise with the fabulous Angie, Crafty So & Sos, Melodies with Memories, Natter over a Platter. NOTE East Surrey Live at Home is always keen to welcome new volunteers. Find out more