Homecare provider launches new initiative to help tackle loneliness and isolation

A homecare provider has launched a new community initiative to help tackle loneliness and isolation.

Westmorland Homecare’s Penrith branch is hosting weekly coffee mornings every Monday from 10am-noon at its office at 2 Penrith New Squares in the town.

“It’s an opportunity for people to come along, have a drink and some cake, socialise and make some friends,” said Charlotte Cooper, Registered Care Manager at the branch.

The events are free of charge and are available not just to Westmorland Homecare clients, their families and friends, but also to any members of the public.

“Living in a rural area there are not the same opportunities these days as there are in a city, especially for elderly people, to meet up, have a chat and socialise. Rather than wait for something to come along, we decided to create an event that was free of charge to help address that issue,” said Charlotte.

“Loneliness can be a challenge for some of our clients. Our homecare assistants visit clients regularly and the services we provide make a huge difference to their lives and we hope that the coffee mornings will complement that.

“People don’t have to be lonely to come along – they might just be the friendly face or person with engaging conversation that someone is looking for.

“The coffee mornings are all about creating a welcoming atmosphere, bringing people together and fostering companionship.” 

Westmorland Homecare is providing coffee and tea, along with cakes, some baked by its ownstaff.

“We also have games like Jenga, Connect 4 and Guess Who? which people can play together if they wish to,” said Charlotte.

The office is accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.

“The first coffee morning on April 14 went really well – people were engaged in conversation and enjoying themselves,” said Charlotte. “As word gets out hopefully the numbers of people attending will grow and grow over the coming weeks.

“Westmorland Homecare’s core values include being kind and helping people live enriching lives and putting on this type of event in the community complements those aims.”

Westmorland Homecare’s Penrith branch, which opened in May last year, covers Penrith, Appleby, Shap and surrounding Eden villages.

Westmorland Homecare provides care to enable vulnerable and often frail people over the age of 18 to live independently in their own home. Its services include homecare, such as help with housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care, which includes support with medication, dressing and bathing. It also supports people to access their community, living life to the full.