The Lincolnshire Guide > News > Local events in East Lindsey launch First Contact scheme countywide

Local events in East Lindsey launch First Contact scheme countywide

A new, easier way for older people to access the services they need to help them live safely and independently in their own homes is being launched throughout the county.

First Contact supports older people by giving them just one contact point to help access services which they may not have been aware of or may not have known how to set in motion.

Following the main county launch in Lincoln last week, local events have been organised for East Lindsey. Interested residents can talk to partner agencies involved an the scheme at Elizabeth Court, Louth on Wednesday, 10 February, 10am-2pm. This includes Age Concern, Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Energy Efficiency Partnership, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, VAEL, Citizens Advice Bureau, East Lindsey District Council housing and support, Pension Service and Lincolnshire Carers Partnership.

A smaller event with four of the partners involved will take place at Hemingby Village Hall on Wednesday, 17 February, from 2-6pm.

To use the scheme, people fill in a simple form which highlights on a checklist the additional services they may need. They are then referred to appropriate partners who carry out their own assessment for services requested. The checklist addresses issues such as fire and community safety, personal care, housing, heating, plus money and benefit entitlements.

The county council runs the scheme through a partnership of 11 statutory and third sector organisations. The development of a software system linked to partner organisations, together with the work of field co-ordinators from Age Concern to promote the service, train partners and support successful project outcomes, is unique compared to similar schemes elsewhere.

Councillor Graham Marsh, Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care, said: “First Contact makes a variety of services available for vulnerable older people in an easily accessible way. It uses a simple, quick and easy checklist process for older people which enables staff and volunteers to access services for their benefit. We have received good feedback from people who have used the service and I am pleased to see it rolled out across the whole of the county.”

Doris Clark, 74, from Mablethorpe, is one of many examples of those who have benefitted and has made use of several services through the scheme for herself and her husband. She added: “First Contact was a great help to me at the time when I needed it most. I really had no idea there was such a range of help and support, never mind how to contact them. It’s great to know there is such an easy way to access the help you need when caring for a loved one because it can be a strain.”

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