A NEW service for disadvantaged, vulnerable and isolated people in south Wirral will be launched in January.
GIFT – which stands for Gaining, Involvement, Fostering and Talents – aims to provide practical support and advice for socially isolated people over the next 18 months.
The service is provided by Wirral health and wellbeing charity Arch, in partnership with Chapel House Dementia Resource Community (DRC).
The consortium will be launching a charter to reduce and prevent social isolation and is calling on local communities and businesses to sign up and play their part.
Arch’s chief executive Steve Jones said: “We are working with DRC and a wide range of community organisations in Wirral South not only to build on existing connections between local people and neighbourhood groups and resources but also to develop new ones.
“Crucial aspects of our work include raising awareness of social isolation and setting up a GIFT Network.
“This will recruit community volunteers and befrienders and ensure they receive the appropriate training with Arch to enable them to identify and work directly with socially isolated people.”
Cathrina Moore, from Dementia Resource Community said: “Our work with Arch on the GIFT project will enable us to support carers and isolated individuals with early memory loss in Wirral.
“We can ensure local communities, groups and volunteers receive training and support to assist those living with a dementia illness, reduce fear of dementia and improve confidence and wellbeing.”
Cllr Jerry Williams, chair of Wirral South constituency committee, said: “We want to make social isolation a focus of our work in Wirral South.
“There are a number of vulnerable groups that we need to reach out to, building networks within the community with local businesses, volunteers and other community groups.”
For more details, call 0151 482 7175 or www.giftnetwork try this.co.uk