The Isle of Man Live at Home Scheme are delighted to announce that they will be launching a sixth live at home scheme in South Douglas this year thanks to the support from Isle of Man Residential Homes (2009) who have been able to provide the funding.
In a similar manner to the most successful scheme initiated in North Douglas and launched in May last year it will be based on the political constituency of Douglas South.
“Live at Home Schemes” offer a befriending service that enables older people to receive support in their homes. The first scheme was set up some twelve years ago in St John’s. From these small beginnings there are now five schemes on the Island providing support to over two hundred and forty older people, using an army of volunteers who go in and visit the elderly in their homes, they keep them company and offer them social support. Each scheme has its own local management committee elected from the local community who work in partnership with Government, local authorities, business and local people. This is a Third Sector and Government partnership and represents all that is best about the Third Sector/Government Strategy Group and the Council of Voluntary Organisations motto: “Together we Can Achieve”.
Mrs Margot Stott Chairman of Isle of Man Residential Homes (2009) commented: “The aims of both these charities fit very closely with those of our original Association and our new Company. We are delighted that we are still able to lend assistance to the elderly by providing financial support in this manner”.
The Manager of the Isle of Man “Live at Home Scheme” Jayne Sloane said: “We are delighted to receive this extra funding to establish another befriending service on the Island. It has been a long term ambition of ours to have a service for Douglas South.” Mrs Sloane paid tribute to the schemes volunteers who make the work possible. She would be pleased to hear from anyone who would be willing to become involved with either the new scheme or any of the existing schemes. She can be contacted on 625157 or by e mail to onchanlah@manx.net
In expressing their gratitude for this funding the Trustees of Isle of Man Live at Home Scheme commented: “We have recently been reviewing our service delivery in line with the changing needs of older people in the Isle of Man and the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population. As a result of the Company’s generosity we are able to take another step further towards our goal of providing all Island support to older people in the community”.
Cath Hayhow, Assistant Director of Social Services, (Adult Services), in welcoming the news said: “We are delighted to hear of this expansion to the Isle of Man Live at Home Scheme for South Douglas residents. The partnership with community organisations will play a key foundation for the success of our plans to increase the support for older people to continue to live in their own homes, and we look forward to working together with the scheme’s volunteers to make this a reality.”
