Lambeth Labour has given the go-ahead for inventive new plans to fund local services delivered by older people for older people, including the creation of 5,200 luncheon club places.
The funding, earmarked at £240,000 over three years, was agreed by the Labour councillors that run Lambeth council and has been celebrated by groups in the borough. The neighbourhood clubs will offer a free hot meal and the opportunity to make friends, take part in activities and get advice and support on everything from borrowing a library book to befriending or claiming benefits.
Lambeth Labour Councillor Lorna Campbell said: "In our ageing population there are increasing numbers of older people who are socially isolated and struggling alone to make ends meet. We are not just giving older people in Lambeth a hot meal but opportunities to get active, make friends, prevent health problems and remain independent."
The network of clubs will be provided by a consortium of five selected local groups co-ordinated by an umbrella organisation, Age Concern Lambeth. The initial consortium will consist of Vassall Elderly Group, West Indian Ex-Servicemen/Women Association, Basaira, Streatham Darby and Joan Club, and Norwood Pensioners Group/University of the Third Age Consortium.
Vince McBean, Larkhall ward resident and Chair of West Indian Ex-Servicemen/Women Association said: "I am very pleased. This initiative has empowered small organisations like ours that are bespoke to our community, to build. It will not just provide opportunities for the older people who attend, we can now employ some paid staff in addition to our volunteers, which comes at such an important time when the credit crunch has hit and people in the community are struggling."
Currently 11% of older people in Lambeth are from Black and Minority Ethnic Communities and this number is expected to rise considerably in the coming years. The network of clubs across the borough has been selected based on the diversity of the people who attend and will develop more culturally sensitive services.
Cllr Campbell continued: "These local clubs are an example of our commitment to personalisation, this is not a one-size fits all approach. They will give older people choice, and enable them to shape the services they need. Plus it’s fantastic that we can provide the funding and support to help local voluntary sector organisations to build and grow, so that they can make a real difference in their own communities now, and in the future."
1 comments:
Is the funding to help exsisting luncheon clubs in Lambeth? The Clapham Park over 50's Luncheon club would like to expand and offer more date to the Clapham Park over 50's residents. If some one could get in contact with myself Erica Tate or the development officers at the Clapham Park Project Office on 02086785900
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