Care provider boost funds of groups helping older people

A South Tyneside-based care provider has awarded its first community grants to two ventures helping to support older people.
Bluebird Care group grants. from left owner David Haswell, Happy at Home Margaret Stephenson-Gray and care manager Lynn Boll.Bluebird Care group grants. from left owner David Haswell, Happy at Home Margaret Stephenson-Gray and care manager Lynn Boll.
Bluebird Care group grants. from left owner David Haswell, Happy at Home Margaret Stephenson-Gray and care manager Lynn Boll.

Bluebird Care South Tyneside opened its office in September 2011 and provides a daily care service to people in their own homes.

The business run by David Haswell and his wife Kelly also want to support groups who are lending a helping hand to the borough’s older people.

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Last year, the company - which is based at Boldon Business Park - launched its community grants project.

Churches Together in South Tyneside’s Happy at Home Project and South Tyneside Positive Activities and Targeted Youth Support Group have been named as the first beneficiaries. Each received a cheque for £125 in recognition of the voluntary work they do to support older people.

Mr Haswell said: “As well as providing care and companionship services to people living in their own homes, Bluebird Care is passionate about supporting community projects and initiatives.

“So many neighbourhoods thrive because of volunteers who work tirelessly to run community groups, host events and provide services that benefit others.

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“Much of this work involves supporting older people who, without regular coffee mornings, day-trips or lunch clubs, would be left isolated at home.”

The Happy at Home Project is a befriending service for older people with volunteers making weekly visits offering conversation and friendship.

The group also arranges two social events each year as well as organises adult colouring sessions in sheltered accommodation.

The sessions aims to help them to expand their social circle at a time when they feel their circle of friends is diminishing.

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South Tyneside Positive Activities and Targeted Youth Support Group, based in Boldon, provides a monthly senior social evening for local residents, organised by the young people/staff at the Village Hall based in North Road.

The team also volunteer in the community to assist with gardening jobs, and deliver home grown vegetable boxes to the older generation in the area.

Both groups were able to provide a clear explanation of the project for which they sought funds as well as evidence as to how their projects benefit those aged 65 and over.

Groups must be based within South Tyneside or the beneficiaries must be in South Tyneside; the applicant must run or co-ordinate a project/initiative that specifically benefit those aged 65 and over.

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Bluebird Care South Tyneside is one of more than 200 franchise operations which provide homecare services across the UK and Ireland.

The company based at Unit 3 Woodstock Way, The Bulrushes, Boldon Business Park, provides care to people in their home, allowing them to remain in their family home longer.

Staff carry out one or more visits per day helping with everyday tasks. Longer visits are available including overnight help and live in care.

There are a choice of care packages including short term help after an illness or respite care while a person’s regular carer is taking a break.

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The company has been based in its current office since 2013 and provides support services to people of all ages and disabilities.

For information about Bluebird Care’s range of homecare services, contact the team on 0191 519 4825 or email [email protected].

For information on the company and vacanies visit www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/south-tyneside