GP Surgery's Older Persons Groups in Portsmouth

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; 

Email: julie.roberts@portsmouthcc.gov.uk 

Mavis Ames - Team Manager - 023 92 688212; 

Email: mavis.ames@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Disabled young persons' group - 'Dynamite'

Are you aged between 11-25 years old?

Are you interested in changing how disabled services are designed for teenagers and young people in Portsmouth?

If you are, the Portsmouth Parent Voice would like to hear from you.

Get involved in shaping the "Local Offer", the Single Assessment, the Education, Health & Care Plan, Personal budgets, lobbying and campaigning on behalf of Portsmouth Disabled Young People.

For more information contact:

Mary Ive or Deirdre Smith

Tel: 07825 185608 (call or text)

Email: portsmouthparentvoice@hotmail.com

The Frank Sorrell Centre

Prince Albert Road

Southsea, PO4 9HR

Guidance on human rights for commissioners of home care

The guide is aimed at Local Authority elected members and staff who are involved in commissioning and procurement of home care as well as others who have an interest in home care such as care providers, regulators, service users, their friends and families. The guidance helps Local Authority staff to acquire better understanding of their obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998.

It has been published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission in response to its earlier inquiry into older people and human rights in home care. An understanding and practical application of human rights are important as "they underpin and add value to a range of legal duties and policy initiatives which are at the heart of local authority business, including non-discrimination, safeguarding and personalisation.

The guide is available on the Commission's website.

Home care and human rights

The Equality & Human Rights Commission has launched a guide for older people, their families and friends, 'Your home care and human rights', which deals with reasonable expectations that older people can have about the home care they receive, their legal rights when using home care and what action older people, their families and friends can take if they are not satisfied with the home care they or their loved ones are provided with. The aim of the guide to raise awareness amongst older people of their entitlement to home care service which respects their human rights and what they can do to ensure those rights are not violated. The report is available on the Commission's website.

New careers education resource for primary school children

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a new educational resource, Equal Choices, Equal Chances, to help teachers challenge any stereotypical ideas which pupils may already have started to form around the world of work. The resource will help pupils explore different career opportunities and understand that race, faith, gender or disability need not necessarily stand in the way of pursuing their career choices.

The resource is available on the EHRC website.

Age discrimination ban in services comes into force

On 1st October 2012, the Government introduced new law provisions banning age discrimination in the provision of services and the performance of public functions. The ban means that it is now unlawful for public bodies and service providers to treat people unfavourably because of their age unless one of the exceptions applies.

The new law applies to adults only and is considered a positive step towards tackling discrimination against older people in many fields including healthcare, social care and financial services.

For more information, please visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission's website.