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On Wednesday 1 November 2006, the Brighter Futures Group
Board hosted a Celebration Event at the Hilton Hotel in
Maidstone.
The aim of the celebration event was to raise awareness of the
Brighter Futures Group (BFG); share good practice and ideas about
preventative services for older people; consider future
sustainability of the BFG services and how they could be extended
across Kent and to thank volunteers and celebrate the success of
the Brighter Futures Group to date. The event was attended by
representatives from Primary Care Trusts, Adult Services
Directorate, Members of the County Council, District Councillors,
District Council staff and voluntary organisations from across
Kent, as well as project staff, volunteers and people who access
BFG services.
The Brighter Futures Group aims to support older people
(particularly those aged over 75 years, living alone, on low income
and in poor housing) living in the Districts of Ashford, Maidstone,
Sevenoaks (excluding Swanley), Tonbridge & Malling and
Tunbridge Wells by offering a wide variety of services provided by
active older volunteers. The services are aimed at preventing and
combating inappropriate admissions into hospitals and long-term
care, as well as keeping older people healthy and promoting social
inclusion and independence.
The programme is funded from the government's 'Invest to Save
Budget'. Across the three-year life of the project, over £1 million
is being invested with voluntary organisation partners through
seven exciting projects. Teams of motivated, trained volunteers
provide help, assistance and encouragement with everyday tasks as
well as providing befriending, social and healthy living
activities. Examples are postural stability classes, assisted
shopping services and pop-in centres, all of which support the aims
of the project.
 Kevin Lynes, Cabinet Member for Adult
Services, opened the event. Kevin explained how the BFG
Programme supports the shared aims of Health and Adult
Services and praised the many partnerships that exist within
the Brighter Futures Group. This was followed by a stimulating
demonstration of postural stability exercises by the Maidstone
Volunteer Bureau Movers (some of the older people who benefit
from this activity). When the audience joined in they realised
just how challenging it was!
Staff from each of the BFG projects described the variety of BFG
activities and how they support the work of their health and social
care partners.
Older people who are being supported though the programme shared
their experiences and spoke enthusiastically about how their
quality of life has improved. Volunteers, without whom this project
could not succeed, also explained what motivated them to volunteer
and how much they enjoyed, and gained, from being involved.
Oliver Mills, Managing Director - Adult Services Directorate,
closed the event, stating that it had been an excellent opportunity
to share learning and raise awareness of the Brighter Futures Group
Programme. He was delighted that so many partnerships were proving
to be working so effectively. Oliver thanked the volunteers for
their invaluable contribution to the provision of the varied and
innovative activities provided under the BFG banner.
Oliver finally commented that the challenge ahead is to ensure
that the BFG services remain sustainable in the future and that
they are spread more widely across the county. With the dedication
and enthusiasm of everyone involved in the BFG we can be optimistic
that this challenge will be taken up wholeheartedly.
For more information about the Brighter Futures Group, please
contact Helen Mattock, Programme Manager on 01622 694896 or email
bfg@kent.gov.uk. |