CANTERBURY AGE UK

Age UK Canterbury is a local independent charity that helps to maintain or improve the economic, social, psychological, and physical well-being of older people in the Canterbury area. We aim to provide services that meet the needs and wants of older people through a clear understanding of the demography of the area and effective consultations with older people and their families. Services are provided in such a way that no older person who would benefit from them is excluded. Our charity delivers Day Care and Social Opportunities that are inclusive, welcoming, and friendly, affordable, encouraging, social and psychological engagement together with health and social well-being activities. These social opportunities include regular activities which stimulate physical and mental wellbeing for example, exercise classes including chair-based exercises, walking football, dancing, singing, arts and crafts, pottery, ceramics, organised games, IT training and spiritual wellbeing areas such as holy communion. Interaction with our staff and volunteers delivers significant benefits since it supports the identification of the deterioration the health and wellbeing which will lead to referral if required to additional health and social care professional support. We provide transport for our clients from door to door with our fleet of disabled access vehicles. Our transport arrangements support inclusion of our clients to attend Age UK Canterbury together with providing regular outings within the community to a range of settings. We also provide excellent freshly prepared meals five days a week. The meals are well-balanced, nutritious and include the provision of specialist diets. Our Dementia Day Care helps to maintain physical and psychological functioning, provided in a safe and secure environment with a high ratio of trained staff to clients. Access to other wraparound services include a comprehensive Foot Health Service, Community Navigation Service, Hospital Care Navigation, Information and Advice including income maximisation, Dementia Carer Support, Hot Meal Delivery, Befriending, shopping, domestic services, Handyperson and Prescription Collections and a Personal Independence Service. In addition, Age UK Canterbury has its own charity shop located in the heart of the city centre. Our services and activities are fully integrated into our local community supported by detailed knowledge and awareness of local needs.