Age UK’s scheme is deemed to have been successful
A SERVICE to support elderly – and vulnerable residents – in the South Area Council region has been a success.
Wards including Hoyland Milton, Rockingham, Darfield and Wombwell are all part of the scheme, which has been delivered by Age UK Barnsley.
Having started on September 1 last year, targeted leaflet drops have been co-ordinated across villages to tell elderly people what is on offer through the scheme.
According to a progress report, which will be discussed by councillors today, a total of 132 people have been given one-to-one support.
A total of £41,292.20 in benefit gains have also been claimed, while tai-chi, yoga, walking groups and elderly football sessions have been put on.
Neighbours have also acted as volunteers as part of the scheme, keeping an eye out on elderly people who were deemed socially isolated.
The report said: “The Better Together Service, funded by the South Area Council and delivered by Age UK Barnsley, covers the Darfield, Hoyland Milton, Rockingham and Wombwell wards.
“The service aims to support people aged 50 and over to meet others and enjoy later life.
“Feeling lonely and isolated is a terrible experience and this is why the South Area Council commissioned Age UK Barnsley to provide a service to support people.
“This is a free service that you can access if you live in the area.
“The project will support existing groups and set up new groups with local people where they can go and meet like-minded people, make new friends and try new experiences.
“We will be listening to what local people have to say and from this we will be able to identify what new activities and groups local people would like to have access to.”
Penistone athletes helped to run up a decent total for a local foodbank at the Penistone 10k run which was held earlier this year.
For every entrant, £5 was donated to the foodbank in Stocksbridge. The chairman of organising club Penistone Footpath Runners, Steve Dickinson, presented a cheque for £705 to Ian Lucraft of the foodbank.