POPI Project
The aim of the POPI Project, based at Evesham Volunteer Centre, is to enhance the quality of life of older people living in the local community.
The POPI Co-ordinator and POPI Volunteers are dedicated to helping older people maintain an independent, supported lifestyle:-
POPI Lunch Club and Ageing Well Programme
Our monthly Lunch Club meetings take place at St Mary's Parish Centre, Evesham. Each meeting begins with an Ageing Well presentation by a visiting speaker, focusing on health and wellbeing in later life. Lunch, which is cooked on the premises, is prepared using fresh, local produce. POPI Volunteers assist the POPI Co-ordinator with the organisation of the meeting and the lunch. The Lunch Club also provides intergenerational opportunities; enabling POPI clients, volunteers and staff to socialise in an informal setting.
Good Neighbour Service
This service provides individual support and companionship through home visits. Most POPI clients live alone and can experience periods of loneliness and isolation. Volunteer Good Neighbours encourage a positive approach; providing a valuable link to the outside world, through regular visits.
POPI clients and volunteers decide how much involvement with the Project they wish to have. POPI enables clients to choose between one-to-one contact in the home environment or, with encouragement and support, attendance at a lunch club or other community-based, social activity group. Some Good Neighbours also accompany their client during a visit to a local place of interest, or take them out for a drive in the car.
Down the Line
If a visit from a Good Neighbour is not required, but regular social contact is sought, the Down the Line telephone service is available. POPI Volunteers commit to maintaining regular telephone contact by arrangement with their client. This option can be very reassuring to the older person, especially if they are unable to get out and about. It also works very well for volunteers with more limited time available to support the Project.
Step Forward Club
Support for the bereaved can be provided through this service, in consultation with Cruse Bereavement Care. Members are encouraged to take a supported step forward in the informal and relaxed atmosphere of the small group situation.
Should you know of anyone who would like to find out more about the POPI Project, either as a client or volunteer, please contact the POPI Co-ordinator on 01386 40165 or email popi@eveshamvolunteers.org.uk
