We are delighted to be one of three partner organisations to form Chain Reaction, a new service commissioned by Newcastle City Council and designed to support older people (55+) to live independently in the community.
By promoting the use of community-based resources and facilities, Chain Reaction aims to encourage people to lead happier, healthier lives. It aims to support and sustain friendships in order to combat social isolation and to increase a sense of good emotional health and wellbeing.
Chain Reaction provides a new approach which offers a real alternative to building-based day services; the service is flexible and personalised, working with older people to support them in deciding what they would like and how to make this happen. The service can offer a variety of support, from sorting out financial worries to organising outings.
What is on offer?
Any plans agreed will depend on the person and their circumstances, but the idea behind the service it is to make sure that older people can get the support they need to live at home. This includes feeling safe and well, being treated with dignity and respect, being in control of making decisions, and being able to stay in touch with family, friends, and the community.
The Chain Reaction service can provide different of levels of support, which can be flexible and change over time.
The other organisations delivering Chain Reaction are Search Project and KeyRing; together we have specialist knowledge and experience of working with older people, those who have a learning disability, and those with poor mental health.
EDIT June 2015: For full information on the now-launched Chain Reaction service, please visit www.chainreaction-newcastle.co.uk.