Posted on Tuesday 20th October 2020
Dr Johnny McMahon
People in Staffordshire who need advice and support to help them stay independent for longer can now access help in their local communities.
The 16 new Community Help Points, two per district, are located in convenient venues across the county, including libraries and other community centres and voluntary organisations.
Trained staff will be able to signpost people and professionals towards services and activities available locally and go through relevant information with them. They can also help people get more confident in using the internet to help find information and solutions for themselves as well as where to buy equipment and technology to help them become more independent.
Dr. Johnny McMahon, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing at Staffordshire County Council said:
“One of our top priorities is to help people lead healthier and happier lives and to support them to be able to live well at home for longer.
“People can already access a wide range of information and advice on staying independent on the county council webpages and Staffordshire Connects, but we know there are still people who would prefer to talk to someone face to face. That’s where our new Community Help Points can step in and do just that.
“Staff and volunteers will be able to help people find the information they need quickly as well as recommend other services which could help them, for example, if they’re feeling lonely or maybe need help at home.
“This approach is all about working with our voluntary and community groups who will often have the local knowledge or services to help people, and compliments our telephone and online support.”
While the service will be available to anyone, it is expected that older people or members of their family, people with learning disabilities or mental health issues, or those feeling lonely/isolated will benefit from the service.
Community Help Points are at the following venues:
- Burton Albion Community Trust
- Burton Library
- Burntwood Library
- Cannock Library
- Community Together CIC, Tamworth
- Haregate Community Centre, Leek
- Leek Library
- MHA Communities Lichfield and District
- Newcastle Library
- Realise Charity – Aspire Housing, Newcastle
- Rising Brook Community Church, Stafford
- Rugeley Community Centre
- South Staffs District Council,
- Stafford Library
- Tamworth Library
- Wombourne Library
People can find out more about the Community Help Points or book an appointment by calling the Staffordshire Cares Team on 0300 111 8010 or at https://www.staffordshireconnects.info/kb5/staffordshire/directory/results.page?adultchannel=1-13