Addressing Social Isolation in Rural Communities through Integrated Approaches
The WERN Village Agents program implements an integrated approach to combat social isolation in rural areas. By offering support services and referrals to various organizations, they aim to reduce loneliness and improve well-being. The initiative also focuses on tackling the stigma surrounding mental health issues like dementia, providing a lifeline to individuals and caregivers facing such challenges.
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WERN Village Agents An Integrated Approach to Reducing Social Isolation in Rural Communities 1 January 2014
The Isolation Spiral Spiral of attitude and perception Village Agent Message There are many service available to suit your needs Low level worry Open to ideas and change Growing Fear Emphasis on prevention Withdrawal Life can be easier if you choose Loss of personal perspective Depression You don t have to do this alone Reluctance to accept help We are here to help you when you are ready Co Morbidity Risks increase Desolation
12 months of Onward Referrals 715 individual onward referrals to 99 different agencies and services (some referrals have multiple benefits) Examples of Organisations Category Referrals CURO ILS, Dementia Support Group, Community Car Scheme Wellbeing 460 DeafPLUS, VisionPLUS Access Team, Falls Team Health 395 Care & Repair, Local Handymen, Somerset Care and Repair Home Safety Checks Practical Help 294 Sirona Falls, Age UK Fit as a Fiddle, , specialist fire alarms Preventative 364 CAB, Age UK Benefits check, Attendance Allowance Financial 253
Chew Medical Practice Patient Profiles B&NES Average Males Females National Average Source: National General Practice Profiles 2013, Surgery L81072
Above Averages Source: National General Practice Profiles 2013, Surgery L81072
The Local Dementia Challenge There have been times in the past whenI have been at the point of taking him to the suspension bridge when at my wits end. I hasten to add that I no longer have those days thank goodness. Living with dementia can be great fun, it can be rewarding, but for me it's also totally isolating - who wants to go out for lunch with us? I did wonder if the Chew Valley was too posh to have dementia or if there were lots of lonely carers like me who didn't know which way to turn. 8
Chew Valley Community Car Scheme Sept 2012 to 2013 834 journeys from 13 villages to 30 different medical facilities Passenger Journeys 299 Destinations Local (within 5 miles) 299 Bristol 138 Bath 48 Keynsham 12 Weston super Mare
Measuring the Value of the Service Sources: Unit Costs of Health & Social Care 2012 compiled by Lesley Curtis, Personal Social Services Research Unit The University of Kent WERN Data collected by Village Agents over 1 year 11
Return on Investment Sept 2012 to Sept 2013 Operation Costs* : first year of PRG funding 28,867 Value on Interventions : 229,458 Net Return On Investment per 1= 6.95 (695%) (*Operation costs include project capital and revenue expenditure) 12
Social Impact Measurements at a glance 120% 10 Before WERN Support 9 WERN Impact on Lives 97% 100% 8 6.8 6.7 6.6 7 6.3 80% 6.0 5.7 6 5.4 5 60% 4 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.0 3 40% 2 1 20% 0 Improved Health Making a positive contribution Freedom frm Discrim. / Harassment Personal Dignity Improved Quality of life Exercise of Choice and Control Economic well being 0% Average Impact Before and After WERN Support 14
WERN Village Agents Denise Perrin denise@wern.org.uk 01275 333700 15 January 2014
