News
Council enters into partnership with Age Concern
Release date: Jun 1, 2005
To allow it to extend the 'Sole Mates Footcare Service' across South Oxfordshire
South Oxfordshire District Council has given £15 000
to Age Concern to allow it to extend the ‘Sole Mates Footcare Service’ across
Basic footcare causes many problems for older people due to poor eyesight and reduced flexibility. Sole Mates provides basic, toenail cutting and massage by trained volunteers to help maintain and improve the mobility, sense of wellbeing and independence of older people in our community.
Recognising the difficulties that older people often face in accessing services, the majority of clients receive the service in their own homes, although sessions are also run in daycare centres and other community settings. There is a small charge to clients which is then used to cover volunteers’ travel expenses. Residents must be over 50 and unable to cut their own nails, to be eligible for this service and can self-refer or be referred by a health care professional.
The service is currently provided in Cherwell,
Mary Daniel, Chief Executive of Age Concern, Oxfordshire said:
‘We are delighted to be able to offer this service
to older people who have difficulty cutting their own nails either because of problems bending or with vision. We are grateful
to the Council for their support in this way. We now need to recruit and train volunteers to help us meet the needs of older
people in
Ann Ducker, Leader of the Council, said:
‘This service addresses such a basic need but one which can really affect the quality of life of elderly people. I am pleased that we are able to take the lead and support Age Concern to extend their service right across the district and I hope many people will make use of it and enjoy the benefit.’
For more information about the service or to become a volunteer, please contact Age Concern on telephone 01235 849400.
Quick Links
