VitaliTea Outreach Service

How does the service work?

• We try to make sure that the befriender lives near to the older person and that they have similar interests.
• We provide companionship (matching befriender and client)
• The face-to-face meetings between befriender and client have a focus on the person (companionship, empowerment, confidence) and social (engagement in beneficial community activities)
• It provides a link / medium between clients and other support networks / professionals.
• Volunteers are introduced to the older person by the coordinator.

At present, over sixty housebound older isolated people receive regular visits, enjoying friendship and community engagement that boosts their self-esteem and helps improves health. If you think you, or someone you know, might benefit from a regular home visit, please get in touch with us. Find out more HERE

Advice and Support Sessions

We have set up a Monthly Surgery at Furzedown Project with Clive, offering a free and confidential service – Information, Advice and Support on a range of topics for people over the age of 60, including:

• Benefits and Entitlements What benefits can you get? How to fill in claim forms

• Housing Sheltered housing, Independent living

• Supported Travel London Taxicard scheme, London Dial-a-Ride membership, Blue Badge scheme

• Family Making a will, What does it mean to have power of attorney?

• Social Care Accessing Adult Social Services,How to pay for care and support

Appointments to speak with our advisor are held on the 1st Tuesday and Wednesday of each month, 9.30am – 11.30am (unless stated). For those who cannot attend, we offer visits in the comfort of their home.

Book your appointment with Clive, call 02086774283, email services@furzedownproject.org or ask at reception

Please note that we are not a substitute for professional services, we are here to complement existing support and value our working relationships with other agencies: We signpost people to appropriate agencies when they require additional help and support.

The Furzedown Farmers Initiative

As an an extension to our Home Visiting scheme we have developed the Furzedown Farmers initiative, thanks to a special grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. This allows people with a common interest in gardening to get together and grow healthy food. With weekly home visits from the gardening volunteer, to help ‘farm’ vegetables in gardens, window sills and window boxes of people who find it difficult to get out. We will facilitate adapted tai chi sessions should you wish, to help improve your mobility and balance. Education sessions and trips will be organised by The Furzedown Project. Find out more HERE

Inter-generational Activities

We have recently started having story-telling sessions with pupils from a Penwortham primary School during term time. These are very popular and we hope to do more. Recently we visited the school at Playtime to show pupils some of our favourite games… “I spent an hour in the morning taking part in our new Playtime session at Penwortham School, playing games with 10 year olds, and then was accosted by a four-year-old who had been to one of out Storytime sessions at the Project. “I know you!” he declared, having obviously remembered his trip from Reception to spend time with people the age of the grandparents.”

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For more information on our outreach services

please call Clive Brown, Home Visiting Coordinator on 020 8677 4283 or email: homev@furzedownproject.org