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Time for Life is a targeted service for people who are aged 65 years and older and is funded by Devon County Council. The service provides an enabling facility for people living in their own homes, helping to build confidence and boost independence. The Time for Life community enablers work with people on a one-to-one basis over a set period of time, helping individuals gain more from life, enjoy new experiences, get out and about, make new friends and learn new skills which might range from singing and home computing to joining walking groups or art clubs.
The enablers give practical support, re-engaging people in activities they enjoy and helping them to develop their confidence to explore new aims and experiences in the future.
Ali Fife Cook is the Time for Life co-ordinator in West Devon. “I’ve been a part of the Time for Life team for several years now and it’s nice to be working once again in the area where I live. In helping to reduce the very real problems associated with social isolation I’ve seen some amazing changes to individuals, so I know just how effective the work undertaken by Time for Life can be.
Individuals are offered help and encouragement to join groups and become part of social activities, such as going to coffee mornings, art or exercise sessions, going on outings, or whatever activity they would enjoy. The first step is often the hardest, so by accompanying someone to a new situation and making arrangements for transport for the longer term if needed, an individual is often able to do things that they couldn’t have achieved on their own”
Joining Ali are enablers Ros Russell and Jane Honey.
Ros, who lives near Yelverton, said: ‘Although I only started working as an enabler fairly recently, already I am finding myself able to help people get out and about and engage in their local community - it’s very rewarding.’
Jane, who lives at Mary Tavy, said: ‘I was delighted to join the Time for Life team – I know how debilitating loneliness can be and am really looking forward to being able to help people get more out of their lives.’
In addition to the help provided by enablers working one-to-one with individuals, Time for Life also works in the community by helping establish new social groups or by providing support to existing groups and creating activities wherever there is a perceived need. Groups currently running in West Devon include tea dances, sing-along sessions, an art club, a regular coffee morning and a play-reading group. There is also a writing group and a new ‘knit and natter’ group.
The Time for Life service is managed by the Westbank Community Health & Care charity.
Westbank is a registered charity established in 1986 and became a company limited by guarantee in 2007. The organisation was originally set up to provide practical and emotional support to people in the villages along the west bank of the River Exe. The organisation now works with communities and individuals across Devon.
West bank has been providing practical help such as shopping, transport for medical appointments, befriending and support since its inception. Supporting carers has always been a top priority and this is now delivered and managed by Westbank through the Devon Carers service. Its work is funded from a variety of sources and through local authority and health authority service level agreements. The organisation is committed to generating income of its own to ensure long term sustainability.
For more information about Time for Life, go to www.timeforlife.org.uk or phone 0845 304 7267 (free from most landlines). Anyone can refer a person to receive free support from the Time for Life team, but the referral has to be made via Devon County Council’s Care Direct Service. If you wish to make a referral, please call 0345 155 1007 (local rate).
Jane Honey