Cotman Housing launches new Outreach Service to help Norwich elderly

Published by BenV for Cotman Housing Association Ltd in Housing

A new outreach service will shortly be launched in Norwich which aims to provide the city’s elderly with the support and services that they would receive in sheltered housing.

Norwich-based Cotman Housing Association has secured funding from Norwich County Council’s Supporting People Team to provide a pilot Outreach Support service to elderly people living in Norwich from its sheltered housing scheme at Ashby Court, Norwich.

Older people living within a 3-mile radius of the city centre scheme will be supported in their own homes by the Association’s Scheme Manager, Sheila Moore, who will coordinate a package of support based on a thorough assessment of their needs. This may include advise with benefits, help to access adaptation works to make properties more suitable or help to combat loneliness.

Outreach clients will be welcome to join in the range of activities that currently take place at Ashby Court, which includes frequent coffee mornings, extend exercise classes, craft and drama, with the scheme holding a pantomime annually.

Jane Warnes, Operations Manager for Cotman Housing Association, said: “We are excited to take part in this new venture, which we feel offers a choice between moving into traditional accommodation services and helping vulnerable older people to remain safe in their own homes”.

Mike Hall, resident at Ashby Court, said: “We think this is an excellent idea, as there are a lot of lonely people out there who can benefit from the support and facilities on offer at Ashby Court. It may also give people a chance to make an informed choice about whether social housing is for them”.

A launch event will be held at Ashby Court, Norwich from 1:30pm – 4:30pm on Monday 1st December 2008. A short presentation will be held and there will be opportunities for photographs and questions with residents and representatives from Cotman Housing Association and Ashby Court.

For more information about the work of Cotman Housing, telephone 01603 731699 or visit www.cotman-housing.org.uk.