Sheffield-Based Charity Wins Contract To Support Doncaster’s Most Vulnerable

Trusted older people’s charity, Sheffield Churches’ Council for Community Care (SCCCC), will be working in partnership with Doncaster Council in order to provide support to the city's most vulnerable. 

The long-established charity will be working closely with Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) and Doncaster Councils Community Partners to offer much-needed aid through the Home from Hospital Scheme. Since taking over the contract on the 1st of October, SCCCC has hit the ground running and has already taken a number of referrals for the scheme.

Karen Redfern, Operational Lead for the service, said: “This is a person-centred, 4-week plan to help people regain confidence and to empower them to settle back into their home and community after hospital discharge. At SCCCC we have been running [a] similar service in Sheffield since 1977 helping to support over 5,000 older, isolated people a year.

"We are delighted that we are able to branch out and offer our expertise to support the health professionals across Doncaster, as well as [to] provide much-needed support for vulnerable older people recently discharged from hospital”.

The service — delivered by experienced, compassionate staff — includes tasks like emergency food shopping, making the bed, light cleaning duties, taking delivery of mobility aids and equipment and preparing the home for their return. The post-discharge service will include working with the patient to regain their independence, by encouraging them to engage with their local community as well as directing them to other agencies that can offer ongoing support.

Within days of the service starting, patient Brian was greeted at home by Julia Walker, SCCCC’s staff member. Brian was delighted with the personal service he was given, alleviating the anxiety and stress he felt leaving hospital and returning home.

78-year-old Brian said; “I think it’s absolutely marvellous! I was so worried about going home after my stay in hospital but having someone to help has made all the difference.”

SCCCC is looking forward to supporting Doncaster’s most vulnerable, older people providing them with a helping hand when they need it most.