An Update On Our Services

01/07/2020

As we all slowly emerge from an extensive lockdown period, some of our services are starting to resume.  Here is the latest on which services are operating and any changes to them:

Advocacy– Advocates are currently not undertaking home visits for existing or new clients. However, Advocacy continues to support people by telephone and by post. Find out more about the service here.

Age Concern Gosport– Our office remains closed until further notice. However, we will continue with the remote service for all who need our help and support at this time. Form-filling support is still available via the telephone. The service is staffed from 9am–2pm, Monday–Friday by calling 075785 09079. There will be a voicemail option for messages left out of these hours and/or requests can also be sent via text. All requests for help will usually be responded to the following working day. If preferred, help and support can be requested via email at info@ageconcerngosport.org.uk

Befriending– Chat groups and visiting befriending is currently on hold, however, befrienders are telephoning their clients. New referrals are still being taken, but only for telephone befriending. Home visits are not currently taking place, however some of the paperwork required can be done over the phone. We look forward to those receiving a befriending call meeting their telephone befriender and resuming home visits in future. Find out more about the service here.

A C-19 telephone befriending service is also in operation for anyone who is isolated and lonely. Please call the C-19 Community Response Helpline to request a Volunteer Telephone Befriender by calling 02392 545588 or via www.gva.org.uk/coronavirus

Community Engagement– The team are currently identifying ways to assist community groups with the C-19 Recovery phase.

Dustbusters– Home visits have resumed to take on new customers. Services have not stopped during the C-19 lockdown phase, albeit reduced, and more Dustbusters are now actively returning to visit their customers to assist with housework, laundry and shopping. Dustbusters are advised to keep to government advice regarding social distancing and hand washing; they will also wear face coverings as we move to a new “normal”.  The service is actively looking to recruit new Dustbusters. Find out more about the service here.

Mend & Tend (formerly known as DART & Gardens)– Gardening services have not stopped during the C-19 lockdown phase. Gardeners have been advised to follow government advice regarding social distancing and hand washing. Repairs and decorating have now resumed.  Again, all workers are advised to follow government advice regarding social distancing and hand washing, and they will also wear face coverings. Find out more about the service here.

Surgery Signposters– The service will continue to operate but as Telephone Consultations only, to help with management of anxieties and/or health conditions, or support a general improvement in well-being. For enquiries and/or to book an appointment, call 075785 09079, or the Willow Group on 023 8231 1034. Updated information is also available via GVA’s website which includes online forms for requests for help, volunteering and local resources. Find out more here.

Volunteering

Loud & Proud– GVA’s youth volunteering project has also been able to adjust its activities in light of the lifting of restrictions. Smaller groups are now working at the allotment, and have been able to meet in person for picnics and chats to ease the anxiety of living in lockdown. They continue to meet regularly on Zoom, taking part in exercise classes, quizzes and a meeting with Gosport’s new Mayor, Councillor Zoe Huggins. Future activities include debates and mindfulness sessions. The variety of activities have helped the members to increase their confidence and communication skills, and keep a sense of normality in their routines.  Learn more about the group here.

VoluntHeroes– GVA’s Supported Volunteering Group VoluntHeroes recently met for the first time since lockdown. Understandably anxious about the current situation, the group met outdoors, despite the weather and held a session to discuss how life has changed and how it has impacted on members. They discussed coping strategies and began to plan for future sessions. At the moment, the group is only working with existing members, but we hope to broaden this later in the year, depending on Government Guidelines. Find out more about VoluntHeroes here.

Walking for Health– is currently suspended, but we will be restarting small group walks that require booking in July for existing walkers.  After testing the process and following guidance and direction from The Ramblers, we hope to be able to offer more walks and open to more walkers. Keep up to date here.