Stand Together, a programme from EitC

Stand Together, a programme from EitC

Everton in the Community has secured funding from the NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group to deliver a new programme, named Stand Together, aimed at tackling social isolation among individuals aged over 75 living in Everton.

Every week, ‘Stand Together’ will provide four sessions of interactive and bespoken activities to those currently experiencing limited social contact.

The sessions will offer activities focusing on the individuals’ enjoyment including workshops on football as well as match day experiences and guest speakers. However, also cultural experiences are a part of the project plan.

Stand Together will also provide individuals with the opportunity to engage with others from their local area and share experiences and stories. Next to that a befriending service will be offered to those on the programme ensuring that they receive regular communication and assistance from staff within the Club’s official charity. A Health and Well-being team will be in place for the participants. The team will offer home visits and phone calls in addition to establishing a link to the outside world and a gateway for other services and support.

Stand Together offers extensive activities

Moreover, participants of the programme will receive access to a range of services offering. They will receive information on local health services, advice on welfare, fuel poverty, energy efficiency and community-based activities. To ensure that all health care needs are met, individuals will also be able to attend screening programmes at Goodison Park for conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation and other conditions as flu vaccinations.

According to some researchers of the University College in London in 2013, “efforts to reduce social isolation have positive outcomes for well-being and mortality rates”.

A shuttle service providing home pick-ups and drop-offs will be available for individuals with mobility difficulties, so that every patient of the GPs living in the Everton ward is encouraged to join the innovative programme.