ELDERLY people across the county will benefit after a support project received a funding boost.
Northumberland County Council has agreed a grant of £10,000 to Isos for a co-ordinated scheme to help older residents keep active in their communities.
The housing association currently has 1,500 ‘older persons’ properties in Northumberland, some of which are in the former Castle Morpeth area.
The funding will enable Isos to employ a member of staff to engage with older tenants to establish which services they are interested in that are not currently available through statutory agencies.
They can include someone to put up curtains and move items around the house, or any social interests.
The needs of residents will be matched to existing voluntary services in the area. They will have the choice of being signposted to the relevant agency or Isos will engage the agencies on their behalf.
By giving practical support the project aims to promote independence, particularly among those who live in rural communities.
County Executive Member for Adult Care and Well-being Ian Lindley said: “We are committed to supporting older or disabled residents to live an independent life. They have told us that they feel more valued when they feel they can contribute to their local community.
“This project will help to make sure that older people know how to get in touch with organisations that could help them to do this.”
Isos proposes to have a checking and monitoring system so that residents can give feedback on whether or not the support they are receiving is meeting their expectations.
Its Older Persons Manager Alison Urquhart said: “We are glad to receive this funding, which will help us signpost our residents to all the services they can benefit from and prevent them becoming isolated.”