This project supports older people in Dorset, by providing a wide range of activities and opportunities for those vulnerable and isolated people. Our vision is 'a world where no-one is unfairly disadvantaged or excluded because of age or infirmity and where every person can enjoy life'. We will provide support to individuals within communities, to enhance the advancement of health, alleviate isolation and loneliness and to 'slow down the slide into dependency'
Dorset, has a disproportionately high number of older people, 27% are over 65 years old compared with the national average of 17%. Loneliness and social isolation are as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The 'Campaign to End Loneliness' estimates that 20% of older people are lonely sometimes and that 10% describe themselves as 'intensely lonely'. This means that in Dorset there could be 14,000 intensely lonely older people.
Older people want to remain independent in their own homes but often need help building resilience. Our community outreach activities help to reduce individuals' reliance on statutory services and makes them more able to cope with periods of transition and change, such as a decline in heath, loneliness and isolation, the effects of ageing, or a bereavement.
By providing support to individuals within communities, we enhance the advancement of health, alleviate isolation and loneliness and 'slow down the slide into dependency'. We reach over 2,078 people each month through our various activities.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).
