Calls for Government to reverse funding cut for older peoples project

West Sussex County Council Leader Henry Smith has called on the Government for more funding for a successful project for older people.

The Partnership for Older People Project was funded as a pilot scheme in May 2007 for two years. When Government funding of the scheme ceased, West Sussex County Council and NHS West Sussex funded the project for a further year.

Henry has written to the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, calling on the Government to give further funding to allow it to continue its good work.

His letter says:

“In May 2007 the West Sussex Partnerships for Older People Project Pilot was started with a government grant of £3.4 million for a period of two years from the Department of Health. The pilot aimed to promote health and wellbeing for older people in West Sussex in need of ‘that little bit of help’ to stay independent in their own homes.

“The pilot was highly successful, improving health and wellbeing and perceived quality of life of most older people referred or self referring to the Community Partnership Teams, and building capacity in the Volunteer and Community Sector to deliver co-ordinated health and wellbeing services.”

The letter continues:

“As with many other organisations, we are considering in detail our spending plans for 2010/11 in order to cope with the growing pressures on our budget. Our problem is compounded by the fact that we are bottom of the league table in terms of grant from the Government towards services for residents.

“Whilst we are confident that we can continue to deliver the preventative services required by older people I would ask you to reconsider the funding which is provided to communities to enable them to invest in early intervention and prevention.”

The Project has to date developed a number of services across West Sussex including the introduction of six Community Partnership Teams, that provide a single point of contact for advice, information and support.

Also the development of seven Neighbourhood Networks, that bring together voluntary and community organisations who provide services for older people to help share expertise and training.

Explaining why he has written to the Health Secretary, Henry said: “I know in my own home town of Crawley the project has made a positive impact.

“As a result, countywide, more than 270 volunteers have been recruited; about 600 people have been linked to neighbourhood support; 74 intergenerational events have been held with 45 new community support groups established.”