Older People's Services
Impact offers a wide range of social and learning opportunities for people over the age of fifty.
Through our services for older people we aim to reduce isolation and maintain independence and well being by providing affordable services in reponse to identified social and practical needs for older people in their own homes and community settings across Sussex.
The services are both centre and community based.
Centre based services
Two centres, both with cafes, provide general support, activities, home-cooked meals and snacks. Activities provided at the centres include art, exercise, discussion, quizzes, computer and photography groups. Minibus trips, alternative therapies, hairdressing and chiropody are also available.
Community based services include
- Social and educational groups such as Tai Chi, Yoga, French, lip reading and singing
- Home based courses such as Living in a Changing World and Local Wildlife for those unable to leave their homes
- A volunteer befriending scheme
- Educational and social trips in a wheelchair accessible minibus
- A subsidised housework, pension collection and shopping service
- Linking volunteers and older people with similar interests and hobbies which gives carers a break
- Support for people over 50 years into training and work
- Community development work with people aged over 50 years
“My Help at Home worker really makes my life bearable”
“The outing was wonderful, we watched the storm coming over the sea it was so exhilarating it made me feel really alive”
“I particularly enjoy concentrating on real learning especially with an experienced teacher”
“Joining the group has given me confidence in trying new areas of experience and I have enjoyed mixing with many different personalities”
“It's a marvellous place. Since taking part in the exercise and falls prevention classes I have regained my confidence and feel much fitter”
Services for older people include
- Adur Learning Exchange
- Brunswick Older People's Project
- Dingemans Centre
- Help at Home
- St John's Centre and Cafe
Last year
- 1,885 older people used services.
- 250 mini bus trips took place.
- 2,500 places were filled on outings.
- 9,970 meals were served in the centre cafés.
Links
Equal Brighton and Hove
www.equalbrightonandhove.org
Our 50+ Training for Work project is funded by Equal. It is a partnership between Brighton & Hove City Council Adult Community Learning Services and Impact Initiatives. Through the project we work with people aged 50+ who are unemployed, or are in work but have had few career progression opportunities.
We offer an individual meeting to identify skills and needs, high quality courses, one to one to advice and guidance sessions and work placements within Impact's Older People's Services.
Courses provided include a programme of half-day sessions to help people look for and apply for jobs and an accredited Working with Older People course.
Courses run in local community settings around the city.
European Social Fund
www.esf.gov.uk
60plus action groups www.sixtyplus.org.uk
Adur District Council www.adur.gov.uk
Age Concern www.ageconcern.org.uk
Brighton and Hove City PCT www.brightonandhovepct.nhs.uk
Brighton and Hove Council www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
Help the Aged www.helptheaged.org.uk
Horsham District Council www.horsham.gov.uk
West Sussex County Council www.westsussex.gov.uk
Our Projects
We currently run 15 projects across Sussex.
For a complete listing of all our projects, please see our Services Directory.
Bridge the Gap
"In 1978 IMPACT’s original vision was to: 'Bridge the Gap'. That is to provide services for hard to reach, excluded communities and individuals across Sussex, to ensure access to services and support where there is clearly identified need. We continue to maintain this vision and I am continually inspired to see the range and quality of our services, the dedication of our staff and volunteers and the number of people we are able to help"
Mike Long, Chair
