Norfolk residents are invited to take a leading role in developing vital support for older people with the launch of a county-wide makeover of services provided by Age UK Norfolk.
Today, the charity launches Project Transform which will see four existing community support centres at Costessey, Diss, Acle and Methwold turned into local hubs where new activities and services will be developed.
Over the next three years, the project team – headed by newly appointed manager Shaun Wilson-Gotobed – will be meeting with focus groups and individuals to identify gaps in the current services provided by Age UK Norfolk.
A donation of �100,000 per year will fund new infrastructure at each hub including freephone access to advice helplines, plus facilities where people can book services such as befriending, respite care and household helpers.
New personal assistans will also be able to support those with increasing health and mobility problems with activities like shopping or social club visits.
Hilary MacDonald, chief executive of Age UK Norfolk, said Project Transform will provide a 'firm foundation' for ongoing service improvements.
'Year on year, more and more people contact us for information, advice and support and by putting these essential building blocks in place we will be able to improve local access to services and involve communities in helping us get these changes right for local people,' she said.
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