The Independence and Wellbeing Team at Portsmouth City Council have been funded by the
Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to develop eleven social activity groups for
older people who are, or at risk of becoming socially isolated and/or lonely.
These groups will be set up close to, or within walking distance of GP
surgeries where there are currently limited or no social opportunities
available for older people.
This project is in response to both national and
local evidence that significant numbers of people are presenting at GP
surgeries, not because they are unwell but because they are lonely.
Attendance at the groups will be an opportunity for
individuals to increase their social networks, support their own independence
and reduce visits to surgeries. The groups will also provide an ideal
opportunity for cascading important health and social care messages.
The first three of the eleven groups have been developed in the Southsea area where a gap for social opportunities has been
identified. These commenced on 22nd April at St Jude's Church, Kent Road, Church of the Holy
Spirit, Fawcett Road & Trinity Methodist Church, Albert Road.
The next two groups will be developed in the city area and
Copnor area from July.
The location of the remaining six groups has yet to be
decided.
For further information please contact -
Julie Roberts - Community Development Officer - 023 92
688705;
Mavis Ames - Team Manager - 023 92 688212;
