Our winter support service assists residents (aged 18+) who may need a little additional support to maintain their independence, remain well at home and following a hospital discharge, and to avoid a health and care crisis over the winter period. It runs from 13 November 2023 until 31 March 2024.

We run the service in partnership with the British Red Cross, Shropshire Mental Health Support, Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin, Oswestry Qube, The Mayfair Centre, The Royal Voluntary Service and, new to the
partnership this year, we're delighted to welcome Hands Together Ludlow.

What does the service provide?

The service will connect people to a range of support including:

• Collection and delivery of medications
• Shopping and delivery
• Wellbeing 'check in and chat'
• Companionship for isolated or lonely people
• The expertise of a mental health outreach worker
• Signposting towards meal provision
• Community transport (subject to local availability, fees may apply)
• Cost of living advice and support
• Connectivity into wider support offered across the voluntary, community and public sector

It will also ensure safe and supported discharges home from hospital. This includes:

• Transport returning home from hospital
• Settling people in at home following discharge from hospital
• Simple aids and equipment following hospital discharge

The service doesn't offer a crisis response or personal care, but will work as part of the health and care system to ensure people get the support they need through appropriate referrals and signposting to local sources of support.

The service is part of our commitment to support people to remain both physically and mentally well, particularly during the winter months.

How do I find out more?

From 13 November 2023 individual residents, their families and those who support people across Shropshire’s communities can call the Winter Support Service helpline on 0345 678 9012 to find out more and be referred where appropriate. The phoneline will be open Mondays-Fridays, 9am to 5pm.

Last year, the service received 249 referrals. Of these 176 were from people who lived alone, and 117 were for people aged 81-90+. The service improved residents' health, wellbeing and independence which prevented and reduced:

• Isolation and loneliness for residents
• Physical health and mental wellbeing from deteriorating
• Avoidable hospital admissions
• Escalation of residents’ health and wellbeing difficulties and crisis situations

Further support with the cost of living

With the economic situation continuing to impact many of us, we understand that many people are worried about rising costs. In addition to the Winter Support Service and to help support those affected by the cost of living crisis, we're working with partners to bring together key resources so that everyone is signposted to the best place to get support in Shropshire.

If you can't access information and support online, you can visit your nearest Shropshire Local or customer access service, most of which are in your local library. Call 0345 678 9000 to find out your nearest location.