West Sussex County Council contracts enable local Age UK to expand post pandemic

Thursday, 1 July 2021 12:52

Photo Credit: Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove

The expansion of services will mean there will be a range of job opportunities and volunteering roles becoming available

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove has won ten new contracts to provide social support services for older people across West Sussex from today.

The five year contracts, awarded by West Sussex County Council, will enable the charity and key community partners to expand services in the wake of the pandemic. Age UK WSBH will be seeking views and ideas from its existing clients over the coming months as it re-doubles efforts to tackle issues such as frailty, dementia and loneliness.

Together with partners Age UK East Grinstead, Carers Support, Community Transport Sussex, Guild Care (which also secured the social support contract in Worthing), Royal Voluntary Service and West Sussex Mind, the charity hopes to reach more people, work from more venues in the community and offer a wider range of services and activities for the over 50s. In addition, the new contracts cover support for carers, as well as helping people home from hospital and supporting them in the first few weeks of being home.

Helen Rice, Chief Executive at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove said “This is a key time for us and we’re delighted to be the trusted choice to provide these vital services locally. While restrictions might be lifting, the impact of Covid is still being felt and we’re determined to be there for those who need us. Our partnership with the Council means we can reach more people than ever, both at home and in the community. We want to be guided by older people in terms of the services they need and want. Everything from social events at the pub to one to one care and support for the most vulnerable. We’ve got an incredible team of staff and volunteers, so if we can also work with those we’re here for, I’m really ambitious about what we can achieve.”

The expansion of services will mean there will be a range of job opportunities and volunteering roles becoming available. The charity will be running a recruitment campaign and details will be available on the Age UK WSBH website.

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