“I’ve been employed as an ageing well link worker for Age UK for four months. My focus so far has been on working with the Fiveways PCN (which covers five GP surgeries across Oval, Stockwell, Brixton and Camberwell) to organise a series of outreach events for the clinicians in the team to offer ageing well advice and promote local resources. The events link people up with Age UK services, and can help with non-medical issues they may have – from housing, to befriending, to offering lifestyle advice around physical activity, nutrition, sleep for example. I use my contacts in Age UK and wider community to refer people to other services to help people stay healthy independent as they age. We’re hoping to expand the project across Lambeth, but have started in Fiveways PCN to address the health inequalities in that area.
“No two days are the same – yesterday I referred an elderly lady who was feeling anxious to a crochet club around the corner to increase her social activity, which she seemed quite excited about. And at a recent Age UK event I was able to have in-depth chats to signpost people to relevant services that can help them. Be that to get help from a monthly foot care clinic, our Handyfix team for support around the home, befriending opportunities, sharing our Mysocial calendar of clubs, IT classes, etc. I really enjoyed showing people the various ways we can help.
“I’m motivated to do this work as I want to have an impact on a wide community and to put into practice my interest in health and wellbeing. I enjoy seeing the difference we make on people’s quality of life – and knowing that I’m contributing to a happier, healthier community.”