Popi Scheme
The Lunch Club
Promoting Older People's Independence (POPI)
POPI is a project run by Evesham Volunteer Centre, the aim of which is to enhance the quality of life for older people
living within the Evesham area.
The project provides information, advice and support; it also gives signposts to local agencies wherever a need is identified; it provides long term support both within the home and in the community. This project is dedicated to assisting older people maintain a supported, but
independent lifestyle. POPI assists in the following areas:
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Help and advice to individuals
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A 'Good Neighbour' Scheme
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Regular telephone contact for older people in the Evesham area
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Hosting of a monthly lunch club
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Support for a bereavement club
Good Neighbour Service
The Good Neighbour Service provides individual support and companionship through home visits. Each volunteer Good Neighbour seeks to encourage a positive approach to loneliness and isolation by providing a valuable link to the outside world.
They commit to at least a one hour visit each week and through regular support the older person can choose how much or how little they wish to become involved. Each older person will be treated as an individual some preferring a chat and a cup of tea in their own home, whilst others may enjoy an outing in a car or a visit to a lunch club or they may choose to join other activities available in the local area.
POPI is about giving choices - either on a one to one basis, or with encouragement and a helping hand into the wider
community.
Down the Line
If a visit from a Good Neighbour is not required but contact is needed, the ‘Down the Line’ telephone service is available.
POPI volunteers make a commitment to keep in touch by ringing either weekly or daily according to need.
Often the knowledge that there is someone there to have a friendly conversation with or the comfort in knowing that the phone will ring each day gives tremendous reassurance.
The Step Forward Club
Support for the bereaved in partnership with CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE. At the Step Forward Club the emphasis is focused on an informal and relaxed atmosphere allowing people to join in with others and together take a supported step forward.
Should you know of anyone who would benefit from the services offered by the POPI Project or would like to become a volunteer then please contact the Project Co-ordinator, Sue Marshall on 01386 40165 who will be delighted to hear from you.
You can also contact Sue online, via popi@eveshamvolunteers.org.uk
