Members of the Age Support Almanzora welfare team hosted a stall at the Arboleas market, outside the Age Support shop, to offer advice on the services they offer and also to recruit new volunteers. The registered charity has been providing support services since 2013 for older people living in the Almanzora valley area.
Those who use the service are people who need to borrow mobility aids such as wheelchairs, those recently bereaved, stroke-victims, people who are experiencing loneliness, those with serious health problems or who are recently discharged from hospital – basically anyone who needs support! The charity assists with advice and help with accessing UK benefits such as attendance allowance.
The team is led by Steph who usually does the initial assessment to determine what help is needed, weekly visits may then follow to, as Steph says, ‘do the shopping, collect prescriptions, to keep someone company and generally provide emotional and practical support’.
The volunteers who work with Steph are retired teachers, care workers, shop workers…from many backgrounds, they tend to offer a minimum of 2-3 hours a week and training is of course provided.More volunteers are always needed, if you think you can help then do call in the office (details below) to find out more – the volunteers do find their work rewarding and you will have the support of Steph and her team.
The welfare team’s future goal is to set up a hospital library service at Huercal Overa hospital in order to reach people who may be nervous about how they are going to manage when they get home following a serious illness or surgery.
Age Support’s office is at Mora oil on the Poligono Industrial Arboleas north. If you would like to discuss any support services please call in for a chat and coffee-all the team are friendly and ready to help and advise! The office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10.00am to 1.30pm. You can ring 634 333 544 or email welfareteam.asa@gmail.com
