National and local support services

A range of national and local services are available, find out more about what is on offer below.

Silver Line

The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Need help? Call us ANYTIME on: 0800 4 70 80 90

More than half of all 75 year olds in the UK live alone and one in ten suffers “intense” loneliness but is reluctant to ask for help. In a poll conducted to mark the national launch of The Silver Line on 25 November 2013, 9 out of 10 older people told researchers that “a chat on the phone” is the most helpful solution when they feel lonely but 1 in 4 older people say they never or seldom have someone to chat to on the phone.

The Silver Line is the confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK open every day and night of the year. Our specially trained helpline staff:

  • Offer information, friendship and advice
  • Link callers to local groups and services
  • Offer regular befriending calls
  • Protect and support those who are suffering abuse and neglect

The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline for older people – the Silver Generation. There are no strict age limits but most people they speak to are over 65.Callers are free to express their feelings and describe their lives honestly, and can trust us to respect their privacy.

In cases of abuse or neglect, with the callers’ permission, we will involve specialist safeguarding organisations such as Action on Elder Abuse or Social Services.

If callers would like to be put in touch with Silver Line Friends, they can receive a regular weekly friendship call or email. Or they may like to join a Silver Circle and take part in a regular group call on subjects that interest them.

Silver Line Friends are volunteers who have contacted The Silver Line because they enjoy talking to older people. They are vetted and trained, and work in pairs for safeguarding and support.

Carers Helpline

Call 0300 102 0008 for information and advice for Carers across Cheshire and Chester. They will be happy to direct you to the service that best suits your needs or even just a friendly ear to listen to your concerns.

GoOnLine

GoOnLine is an exciting service run by Rural Community Services (West Cheshire) aimed at providing access to the internet for older people in rural areas to foster their use of the internet to pursue their personal interests. For further information please email bev.stubbs@opalservices.org.uk or phone 07549173185

If you have IT skills and would like to volunteer to help with this service, please contact us – we would be delighted to hear from you.

AgeUK

For information or advice on anything from health to housing AgeUK provide a free national information line on 0800 169 6565. It’s open 365 days a year from 8am to 7pm. They also publish impartial and informative factsheets and advice guides, policy papers and a range of books.

Social Prescribing

GPs have many people visiting them with non-medical issues, such as feeling lonely, isolated, or stressed by work, or perhaps they have a debt problem or a welfare issue – all of which can affect a person’s health and wellbeing.

As well as offering practical and emotional support, social prescribers have the time to work with patients to find out what matters to them; this may be to help connect them to a specific service or a community group, where they can make friends, learn new skills and gain support or advice.

The idea behind social prescribing is to help patients have more control over their own health and find ways to improve their wellbeing in a way that works for each patient.

Ask reception or your clinician for more information about a referral to this service.

Malpas Opal Club

Malpas Opal club is run by Rural Community Services (West Cheshire) for older people who are finding it difficult to take part in social activities in their community. The club provides companionship, the opportunity to share a meal with others, a range of interesting activities, as well as plenty of laughter. The club meets at Craddock Court, off Mercer Close every Tuesday and Thursday. The cost is £12 per day which includes at 2 course meal and free transport within the local area. Visit the website at www.opalservices.org.uk.

Breaktime Service

A flexible support service for Carers provided by Rural Community Services (West Cheshire) who support older people living at home. Volunteers will provide care for the older person by either going into the home or taking them out. A free service of up to 3 hours per session.

If you require more information, wish to make a referral or would like to arrange an assessment please contact: breaktime@opalservices.org.uk or one of the Organisers:
Maria Hudson on 07547 508 324 maria.hudson@opalservices.org.uk
Debbie de Kock on 07547 508280 Debbie.dekock@opalservices.org.uk