Good morning for Inner Wheel

Club learns about interesting service

Rutherglen’s Inner Wheel Club enjoyed an interesting meeting recently.

The club’s members heard about the Good Morning Service which operates in Glasgow.

Andy Wright, service support officer, told the club that the organisation started in Ruchill in 1999, after a popular local elderly man was found dead after lying undiscovered in his home for two weeks.

Residents wanted to find a way to ensure this wouldn’t happen again.

The Good Morning Service was subsequently launched, with volunteers contacting people who had indicated they would welcome a phone call – generally older residents on their own, or some couples with infirmities.

The level of work soon meant more funding had to be sought to employ some part time workers and funding from the NHS meant the service could operate throughout Glasgow.

The daily calls are simply to know that folk are all right and not needing help, with a non response meaning that action will be taken.

Andy gave two examples of actual help given after non-response to calls.

If all else fails in their efforts the police can be called for assistance and one lady was found to have fallen during the night and pulled a chest of drawers over herself.

Medical help by the ambulance staff soon had her in hospital and a good recovery was made.

Another client, whose nonresponse led to the police breaking in, found that they had suffered a stroke in the night and medical help soon had him in hospital for treatment.

The service works with many agencies appropriate for possible referral for their 300 plus members, including fall prevention, voluntary action, local health personnel, social work and advice agencies as well as many local voluntary organisations offering various forms and levels of help.

A total of 20 staff, many part-time, and volunteers keep the phone rotas on time and come from all types of backgrounds which in many instances help them in their contact with members.

Dedicated staff member Andy, having first worked as a volunteer many years ago, and he explained that they not only have telephone contact but arrange social events for their members and their families.

Members can also phone if need help or feel they need advice staff are not counsellors but will provide a listening ear or a referral.

Inner Wheel members expressed their appreciation to Andy and for the service, but regretted that it was, at the moment, available only to residents in Glasgow.