An new initiative to bring together services in a bid to tackle the fight against age-related conditions such as Dementia, has been launched today in Swaffham.
Funded by Norfolk County Council, the Swaffham Provider Partnership aims to link up local care and support organisations - from nursing homes to volunteer groups - which are currently help residents of the town.
This prototype will see providers of health services led the way with a partnership approach in order to help with future demands of an ageing population.
Willie Cruickshank, director of the Norfolk and Suffolk Dementia Alliance, is facilitating the joining up of the groups and kicked things off at today's launch at the Assembly Rooms in the centre of the market town.
He said: 'This is about trying to get people to stop and help provide people with what they need. There is a want to work together more.'
Swaffham was chosen by the council due to its high population of residents over 65 year old (33pc) - 10pc more than the rest of Norfolk.
Steve Holland, head of quality assurance and market development at the council's adult social services, said: 'We are looking to improve effectiveness and efficiency and build resilience in the local care market.
'This novel provider-led, partnership approach, involving all sectors of the local care and support market, will enable providers to more effectively meet the needs in their local community with a flexible response that promotes independence.'
Paul Smyth, county councillor for Swaffham, added 'Greater coordination and collaboration providers of care in the area will hopefully lead to increased support for those who need care and support for daily living, and also for those who care for them. I hope the wider community will help promote the work of the provider partnership.
'If it goes well, this pilot scheme could see Swaffham become a model of best practice for the whole of Norfolk.'
It is hoped that the year-long programme will also address identified gaps in the care and support workforce as well as improve the overall quality of care.
- What do you think of the new initiative? Write, with your full contact details, to the Letters Editor, EDP, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE, or email EDPLetters@archant.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here