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Community support for local residents 

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We live in a large rural county that, for many, is an excellent place to live and work but when things go wrong they hit the most vulnerable in our communities the hardest.  

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Community Action Norfolk (CAN) is a Norfolk charity that works in partnership with a number  of other organisations to develop and improve local community support. They’re working alongside the Health Service’s Supported Care team  on a project to help people who have just been discharged from hospital, and those who are at risk of hospital admission, to find support from within the community.

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If, for example, someone needs to get back to health after suffering an injury in a fall, or if they have a wound or an infection, the Supported Care team, nurses, physiotherapists and reablement practitioners, will look after the patient’s medical needs for a week or so until they either recover, or are assessed as needing more, or different, care or support.  CAN has two Community Development Officers who are working alongside the medical team in the area to find just the right support for patients from local voluntary and community organisations. 

Susanne Anderson, one of the Community Development Officers for CAN, spoke at our recent Parish Council meeting. She says:

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“We know, that, following a hospital stay, or a medical episode that puts somebody at risk of hospital admission such as a fall, some people, particularly those in our community who are elderly, frail or who don’t have friends or relations to help out, do need some additional support if they are to stay physically and emotionally well, and independent for longer. We often find that it’s basic local support that people need to just get them back on their feet that makes all the difference; grocery shopping, help to prepare a hot meal or snack, help to move a trip-hazard, such as a rug or furniture, a lift to a local activity or event, maybe dog-walking, or just somebody with whom to share a hobby or a regular friendly chat over a cuppa.”

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Local charities, church groups, Parish Councils, a Good Neighbour Scheme, local businesses, community transport schemes and individual volunteers can often rally round and prevent somebody from going back downhill, physically or emotionally;  

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Susanne says: 

“CAN is keen to hear from any existing local groups that offer support to local residents, so that we can pass on their details to Supported Care’s patients, when appropriate, and we also want to hear about any gaps; support that people feel they need, but find that it is either not offered, or not locally available. CAN helps local organisations to grow and develop services, to meet the needs of, particularly the most vulnerable, residents and can also help people to set up groups ,such as Good Neighbour Schemes, where there are gaps.”

For more information contact Susanne Anderson or Tonya Winsley; email: susanne.anderson@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk;  tonya.winsley@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk
www.communityactionnorfolk.org.uk

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