Bield Evening Support Service opens door in Falkirk

Bield said that the project has made a life changing impact on a number of tenants and their families as well as many other older people in the Falkirk area.  

Running every Tuesday and Wednesday, this free service enables those who attend to enjoy themed social events in the development, such as craft evenings or quiz nights, or to get out and about to see places of local interest whilst their carers enjoy some valuable rest time.

Kevin Rowe, Bield Fundraiser, said:

“The Evening Support Service has been a huge success for the staff and those we care for at Thornhill Court and in Falkirk, more broadly.

“We hope that this open evening draws attention to just how much everyone involved benefits from a service that has provided an invaluable extra social aspect to so many people in Falkirk.

“We have secured funding from the Scottish Government’s People and Communities Fund to continue this service until March 2017 for which we are very thankful.

“However, we are already on the look-out for further funding to ensure this service can continue from April onwards. To provide this support for one evening per week for a full year costs around £9,000, so we’ve a fair bit to find.”

Activities as simple as going for a fish supper, going to the pub for a game of darts or a walk in the evening can be an essential social outlet and the support service helps tenants to live their lives in the way they want.

Evening support has helped older people in the area to remain an active part of the community with a number of social activities and visits to Scottish landmarks, such as the Kelpies and tennis star Andy Murray’s Olympic golden post box in Dunblane.

Jacqui Old, Assistant Manager at Thornhill Court, said:

“The service enables older people to remain part of the local community by visiting local attractions and venues and meeting up with people of various generations in local pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas.

“For many, it’s a wonderful opportunity, not only because it allows carers a wee bit of respite as their loved ones attend the service, but those using the service have the opportunity to meet new people and for many, wonderful and strong friendships have developed.

“Often, it can be an opportunity for service users, carers and their families to enjoy some quality time together, providing a vital service to so many people in many different ways.”

If you think you or a loved one could benefit from this free service or simply want to find out more, please contact Thornhill Court directly on 01324 630336.

The Evening Support service perfectly encapsulates Bield’s ‘Free to Be’ philosophy which seeks to let people make their own choice and live as independently as possible.

If you wish to support the future of this service, please get in touch with Kevin on 0131 273 4000 or email k.rowe@bield.co.uk to find out how.