Dudley CVS’s Carer Coordinator worked with a carer who was experiencing considerable stress relating to her own physical and mental health needs, and also those of her mother for whom she is the main carer. The mother had recently had a couple of hospital admissions, and the carer was preparing for surgery herself and felt overwhelmed by her situation.

Our Carer Coordinator gave the carer an opportunity to complete a carers first contact assessment and talk to someone about her situation. They discussed a number of different issues relating to her forthcoming surgery and her concerns for having a plan in place.

The carer’s assessment identified that the carer needed further time to look after her own health and wellbeing and to plan for her surgery. Our carer coordinator contacted the carers network to organise a sitting service for her mother for 6 weeks to enable her to do this. The carer was also referred to Integrated Plus to find out more about social activities and further community contacts.

It was recommended that when her mother was discharged from hospital that they request a package of care to prepare her for being supported by other people so that her daughter didn’t have sole responsibility and that when she goes into respite (temporary) care, she would be less anxious.  

After working with the carer coordinator, the carer became much more prepared for her own surgery in the knowledge that her mum will have other contacts to support her.

“The Carer coordinator was very empathetic and provided clear, supportive and effective advice. In terms of Mom and I, we are better placed to consider, identify and access options for care. It would be difficult to imagine a better service. Sharon’s help has been immense and just what we needed as a family.”

Our work with Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust has helped them to reach more volunteers increasing from 2 or 3 to around 60 volunteers.

Ben’s volunteering journey has helped him to start building his CV, get out of the house and do something that is connected with his interests.

A great partnership between East Coseley Big Local, Integrated Plus, Just Straight Talk, local residential homes, Marston’s Brewery and the staff at the Apple Tree Inn, enables 4 Lunch and Chat events to take place throughout the year for local people and families of all ages who often feel a little lonely and isolated in the community. These events provide a safe space where local people can get to know each other over a hot meal.

We worked with services that work directly with isolated people on a day-to-day basis including Integrated Plus, Just Straight Talk and residential home Jack Newell Court, to reach people who may be feeling lonely in the community that would benefit from social interaction and a place to go to meet new people. It’s through working in partnership with these services that we have been able to identify isolated people in the community.

At 2017’s Christmas lunch, we were joined by 55 members of the community, ages ranging from 22 all the way up to 101. Volunteers, support workers, people and families from the community all enjoyed and shared a three-course Christmas meal together, with entertainment and a small gift.

Jack Newell Court in Coseley is a council owned building for residents over 55, single or couples. “Residents at Jack Newell are surrounded by other people, but once the door closes they are on their own. We found that food and drink is one of the best ways to bring people together. Many people have now developed friendships and often meet for a coffee in between the meals.” East Coseley Big Local Changemaker

Karen Grigg, resident and East Coseley Big Local core group member said:

“My elderly next door neighbour was very isolated having recently lost her husband and having no family. I brought her along to the lunch at the Apple Tree arranged by East Coseley Big Local.  She had a wonderful time and got speaking to some ladies there and now attends coffee mornings with them, it has made such a difference to her life she is more outgoing and has the confidence to go along on her own to the meetings. She is no longer feeling isolated.”

Last year, Dudley CVS and Healthwatch Dudley worked with Dudley CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) to explore community support to people who are living with a wide range of respiratory conditions. In June we co-hosted an event to bring local people with breathing difficulties together and hosted weekly ‘Airtime’ sessions leading to the appointment of a new coordinator in September.

Airtime provides varied and interactive weekly activities including appropriate exercise, professional support from health experts and information and advice about keeping well. People who attend have fun too and also enjoy recreational activities including bingo, quizzes, music and craft activities which has proved invaluable for people with similar conditions to come together to support each other.

One gentleman, Charlie, has been a regular participant of Airtime since December 2016. When Charlie first arrived he was incredibly anxious. He had always worked hard for a living and had to forgo this passion when he received his diagnosis which also affected his mental health. He had lost his ‘sparkle’ and was on antidepressants. He was drinking and smoking heavily as a way to ‘blot it out’.

Our Airtime Coordinator ensured that she took the time to sit down with Charlie, listen to his story and to take a non-judgmental approach to his situation. She discussed with him the many benefits of the group, ensured he felt welcome when he first joined and promised to call him later in the week to check in. The Coordinator also encouraged other, more longstanding members of the group to support to make it easier for Charlie to return each week. We felt that he would become a valued and needed member of Airtime.

The outcome was that Charlie started attending Airtime regularly and continues to do so! Charlie has stopped smoking and really reduced his alcohol consumption. Charlie has also stopped his anxiety meds which he attributes solely to Airtime giving him renewed confidence.

Charlie has become a larger than life character in the group, is helpful, positive and very involved.

Recently Charlie has taken part in the People’s Network event where he championed the benefits of the group and also relayed his own personal experience. He also took a central role in our steering group with the CCG in order to help Airtime continue, which thanks to him and others, was a success.

“If it wasn’t for this group, I’d still be on antidepressants. I have a purpose and we have a laugh. It has changed my life.” Charlie, member of Airtime