Age UK Horsham District is an independent local charity (and company limited by guarantee) which is a full brand partner of Age UK. Age UK Horsham District is a local, independent charity. We are affiliated with the national charity, Age UK, as a brand partner. This means that we work together with Age UK and their 140 other brand partners in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support to achieve our common goals, this also entitles us to use their brand within our the geographical area of Horsham District. We currently have 30 paid staff (6 full time), 120 volunteers and 8 voluntary board members.
As a local Age UK covering the Horsham District area we want to be famous for:
• Being the first point of contact for older people;
• Delivering services that both meet needs and are person centred
• Tackling loneliness.
What we do across Horsham District
In December 2017 the trustees revisited and reaffirmed our five strategic objectives and developed the strategic plan to 2020.
Our strategic plan is to grow our activity, impact and income by 20% by 2020.
The ambitions within the plan are realistic and fit with the needs and aspirations of the demographic of Age UK Horsham District
Horsham District Population is currently around 138,000. Over 50’s population is 43% or 59,514. Over 65’s population is 22% or 30,514.
Our ambition for growth fits with our understanding of need, for example we have seen a 44% growth in activity for our community officer team providing information and advice for and average of 141 people per month.
We deliver a range of services: 5
Trustee Candidate Pack September 2018
Information and Advice is a free service providing essential advice, assistance and support to those needing help with a range of issues including: finances, housing and health. This is facilitated by the Community Officer Team as they provide expert advice to maximise income and benefits entitlements; In addition Advisory volunteers support lower level needs such as attendance allowance and blue badge claims.
Home Visiting is a free service for the most lonely, isolated and vulnerable people. A volunteer is carefully matched to provide friendly companionship and support, offering a lifeline to the outside world. This support can help build confidence, improve mental well-being and encourage a sense of security and independence.
Help at Home signposts to reliable sources of help and support in the home to enable the individual to remain independent and in their own home for longer.
Home from Hospital and Relative Support is a free service for older people with no one to help them when they return home from an unplanned hospital stay. This service provides a support network upon discharge from hospital enabling them to get back on their feet, improve their well-being and ensure they have the necessary means to access services and support to help them to continue living well. Support is also available to help families make informed choices about future care of loved ones.
A Village Agent Scheme based on tested models from other rural communities across the UK – a village agent is a single point of contact in a community for local older people and families, local groups, public sector colleagues and the business sector; they work on what is important to help us all live independently in later life.
Local day clubs and clubs for people with dementia where those over 50, their families and carers can receive support, enjoy social activities and interaction.
