Over-50s one stop shop opens
A 'ONE-STOP-SHOP' promising to become a social hub for Plymouth's over-50s has opened its doors for the first time.
The city centre Waves shop will act as a meeting place, information centre and IT base for people aged 50 or over.
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OPENING: Cllr David Slater, Cabinet member for adult health and social care, and Cllr Joan Watkins, chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel, with volunteers Annie Webb (left) and Pat McCarthy
Plymouth City Council has launched the service on a two-year trial basis after joining forces with various community and voluntary groups.
Based in Frankfort Gate, Waves is a drop-in centre providing information on everything from health and housing to education and jobs.
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Occupational therapists and NHS healthy bones experts will be available for visitors, while staff will be on hand to help older people get online and develop their computer skills.
The council's Cabinet member for adult health and social care, Cllr Dr David Salter, said Waves would also act as a 'social hub' for older people to meet up – a service over-50s in the city had been asking for.
"They made it very clear that people want to know what is available across the whole range of our services," Dr Salter said.
"That led to the idea of a one-stop-shop where people can get useful information and guidance through what these days often seems to be a bewildering array of different service providers."
Waves will be managed by the Plymouth Befriending Consortium and its opening coincides with a week of safety-based roadshows aimed at the city's elderly population.
Plymouth Age Concern is backing the awareness week, which includes one-to-one sessions at Elspeth Sitters House, in Hoegate Street on the Barbican, until tomorrow.
They will focus on gas safety, home security, energy efficiency and trips and hazards, while the Waves shop already has plenty of tips about bogus callers, falls and home safety.
For further information on the Safety Week, contact Mary James at Plymouth Age Concern on 01752 665424 or email mary.james@plymouthageconcern.org.uk
Comments
by Dave, Devonport
Thursday, January 21 2010, 12:17PM
“From what I see around me every day it's the under-40s that need help with life's basics these days.”
by Annie, Plymouth
Thursday, January 21 2010, 11:55AM
“Elderly? At 50? Would'nt this "one stop shop" be more appropriate for the over 65's. The majority of people i know in their fifties are more than capable of dealing with everything that life throws at them. I would concede that maybe some would find this "drop in" useful but the majority would feel somewhat aggrieved to be deemed as not being able to think for themselves.”