Scheme for volunteers to help elderly people in Sandwell

Cash grants are being made available to voluntary and community groups in the borough as part of the scheme to help older residents living in the area.

Volunteers could put on exercise classes and offer advice in extreme weather.

Under the project extra information could also be made available to point people to lifestyle services such as help to stop smoking and lose weight, and how to reduce the likelihood of slips, trips and falls.

The areas chosen to take part in the scheme are Great Barr with the Yew Tree estate, West Bromwich Centre as well as Greets Green and Lyng, Tipton Green including Princes End and Great Bridge, Oldbury and Langley, Tividale and Rowley Regis, and Blackheath, Cradley Heath and Old Hill.

The service will commence with a one year pilot, starting in September this year, with options to extend for six or 12 months to enable reviews how it is going.

The organisations being considered to take part in the scheme are those already delivering services in Sandwell, which are non-Governmental, and who have local bases with locally-advertised telephone numbers.

Officially known as The Sandwell Community Offer, the project started this month.

David Stevens, Sandwell Council's director of adult social care, said he hoped it would make a difference for residents in the borough.

He said: "The Community Offer is a pilot project being run in six areas in Sandwell.

"Voluntary and community groups are being invited to submit bids for an equal share of £600,0000 to fund work which will benefit vulnerable adults and older people in their communities.

"The aim is to help people live healthier lives longer and to remain independent in their own homes."

A number of awareness events have been held this month where existing voluntary groups have been registering their interest for a share of the £600,000, with the final one taking place today at St Giles Church Hall in Hawes Lane, Rowley Regis.

Organisations wishing to be considered are being invited by the council to request an application pack from adult_procurement@sandwell.gov.uk. The closing date for applications is noon on Friday, June 13.