viewpoints June 2012
How do we… • Assist people to feel part of their community? • Help groups to be responsive to change and evolve as communities change?
Working Together • To capture learning • Encourage sustainable development • And share good practice.
We spoke to… • Volunteers • People who use the service • People who support the service in the community From FMC and a range of different groups in Hampshire (nine in total).
FMC Volunteers said • It is very rewarding/worthwhile. • I wanted to contribute to life again after retirement. • I wanted to meet new people when I moved into the area. • You meet like-minded people -active doers. • I like being involved in social events. • One day I might need the service. • We need to raise the profile of the group and make sure people know about us.
FMC Clients said • I am very grateful. • You have never let me down. • It enables me to live independently and stay living in my own home. • There’s a complete absence of any patronising attitude. • The volunteers don’t assume I must be deaf! • I appreciate the social contact. • I don’t know what I’d do without you.
Other local people said • We need a bad weather plan. • The group needs more profile. • Collect stories to show how they make a difference to local people. • Tell others about the service. • Plan events with other groups. • Say to clients ‘Have you ever thought about going to (Lunch Club, Tea and bowls etc)…’
What did GNSS learn? How groups can • Support local people effectively • Be reliable and constant • Thrive and grow.
Well Being Strategy (HCC)2011-14 “Volunteer car schemes were regularly praised, especially as the drivers can stay with the older person when they go for hospital appointments.”
“ Older people said… they would like to extend the use of this service and community transport schemes for spontaneous social trips.”
Joined-up thinking Interest groups Voluntary Or outings transport Visiting or Health clinics befriending Community Tea and… Library Lunch club
What next? • Keep it up FMC! • Feedback from clients can show the real difference the group is making to local people. • Tell people about it.
Recommend
More recommend
