ANGELA Rayner MP has hailed an Ashton project that is proving a ‘lifeline’ to people looking for that bit of extra support.
The town’s parliamentary representative saw for herself how the Get Up and Go project is providing better help for service users from its hub on Katherine Street.
And a six-figure award from the National Lottery Community Fund will only enhance that even further.
The Get Up & Go project is part of a broader Age UK Tameside service offer that also includes specialist dementia support, support for carers, falls prevention, dance and fitness, benefits advice, foot care, employment courses, social clubs and lunch clubs.
The hub, on Katherine Street, was awarded £123,658 from to continue and enhance the excellent work they do to help and support residents aged 50 and over.
GUGO offers mental health support in non-clinical settings such as community centres or in people’s own homes.
It is targeted at people who may be going through a difficult time, such as the loss of a loved one, who need help to get their life back on track.
The service has three different pathways so that support can be tailored to be the most effective.
The Get Going Pathway – for those who are struggling with knowing exactly where to start and may feel like they don’t have the energy required to start making changes. They may be low in mood and feel anxious. This stage focuses on calming fears and building resilience for the next step.
The Get Busy Pathway is for those who feel lonely following what may have been a very busy and full life. Being alone – because of bereavement, divorce or children flying the nest – can cause sadness, stress and isolation so this stage encourages people to join a club or take up a new hobby to get them back into socialising.
The Get There Pathway is specifically for those who have suffered a bereavement and need advice on how to target milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas which may trigger feelings of severe loss and upset.
Angela Rayner said: “It’s absolutely wonderful that The National Lottery has given Age UK this funding as the work they do across my constituency really is a lifeline for so many.”
Pete Lloyd, Enterprise Development Manager at Age UK, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome Angela and her team to Age UK Tameside this morning, and show the vital work we do, and support we offer for the older people of Tameside.”
If you would like to know more about GUGO and the services on offer, you can visit www.ageuk.org.uk/tameside/our-services/get-up-and-go or call 0161 308 5000.
People can self-refer and Age UK also take referrals from GPs, health and social care services and other agencies.