Copeland Age & Advice Service (CAAS) More than 6,000 people over 55 have been supported by Copeland Age and Advice Service (CAAS) since its launch in October 2019. The not-for-profit social enterprise provides information, advice, and guidance on financial matters and housing issues, enabling people to continue to live safely and independently. The organisation aims to reduce poverty, loneliness and isolation, and to provide support for those with long-term health problems, both physical and mental. The team provides early interventions and preventative support to vulnerable individuals who, if left unsupported, would probably need to rely on social care and NHS services in the future. CAAS offers a wide range of services to help over 55s in the former Copeland district, including help with accessing benefits, and understanding and accessing the available housing options. It also provides a form filling service for Blue Badge applications, Lasting Power of Attorney and grant applications. When an older person comes to them for support, staff carry out a holistic assessment in their home environment to fully understand their needs. No other organisation in the area provides this specialist support to complete a full assessment in all areas from financial and housing to any equipment and adaptations needed. CAAS is also the delivery partner for Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund in the former Copeland area, assessing applications for grants to help vulnerable older people keep warm through the coldest months. In the community, CAAS volunteers run a memory café every other week at Whitehaven RUFC. This is a social group where those living with dementia and their carers can enjoy games, singing and chair exercises, plus reminiscence activities, with plenty of coffee, cake and chat. The NHS Memory Matters team also attend to offer for advice and support to carers. A second memory café, in Millom, was launched in March 2025. CASE STUDY 72 Two’s Company As people age, loneliness can become a serious problem which is said to be worse for our health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is a particular issue for vulnerable older people, and, as the population of Cumbria continues to age, it looks set to become more acute. Launched in September 2021, Two’s Company Keswick is a befriending scheme in partnership with Churches Together in Keswick (CTiK), Keswick Rotary Club and Age UK. Referrals are welcomed from local NHS and other organisations, family and friends, and are then linked with volunteers who are chosen to match their interests and personality. The volunteers and referrals meet face to face or have a friendly chat on the phone and this provides an outlet for people who have little contact with anyone else. They are also on hand for support, offering advice on practical matters if needs be. Tony Welton, Chairman, said: “Our volunteers play a vital role in our service and their commitment to regularly visiting and building a relationship is absolutely key. Once vetted and trained, they can help with transport, walks, town and lunch club visits, hospital appointments and help with filling in forms. “Many of our scheme members have complex needs and our befriending volunteers are frequently able to be flexible and willing to go the extra mile in supporting the scheme member whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries.” One volunteer befriender and their scheme member are a great example of the positive benefit of befriending. The member reports feeling less lonely and enjoying the friendship, saying “I’m not feeling as lonely because my befriender and I get on so well. They are a really good friend to me, and we have so much in common.” The reliability and regularity of the service gives members something to look forward to with confidence. Since it launched, the charity has trained over 50 volunteers who have provided 1,200 face-to-face visits. CASE STUDY 73
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