Fold’s unique service for older people wins big at housing awards

The Older People’s Floating Support Service is delivered by Fold Housing Group in Newtownabbey, Larne and Carrickfergus and provides a tailored support plan to help service users retain their independence and live in the home of their choice.

A low-level preventative service that complements the Transforming Your Care agenda, it gives older citizens access to a wide range of supports including safety and security comforts and opportunities to engage in community and social activities.

The service took top prize in the Excellence in Customer Service category and the coveted Chairman's Award at the CIH Annual Awards event which recognises the very best services in the housing sector. Housing Officer Grainne Teggart capped a successful night for Fold, collecting the Rising Star Award for her role in strengthening a culture of learning and improvement.

Eileen Patterson, Fold’s Director of Housing, paid tribute to the team’s efforts:
“It’s hugely rewarding to be told by anyone that you are among the best, but it means more when you’re judged against peers and by people who know exceptional quality. Success at events like the CIH Awards galvanise our team and service users who share in our success. I’m especially pleased for Grainne who has made a significant contribution to our work.”

“Honours like this recognise the special team we have assembled at Fold. Each of our people set themselves the highest standards and go beyond the call of duty on a daily basis for some of the most vulnerable in society. Our service users know that and its part of the reason we have been able to build strong relationships within the communities we service.”

The Chartered Institute of Housing Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the housing calendar and aims to celebrate the passion and vision that underpin great housing provision within vibrant, safe communities.

ENDS

Case studies - Older People’s Floating Support Service in action

John, aged 81, suffers from MS which reduces his ability to get out and about. He suffered from loneliness and found the days very long. John now attends all of the service’s social events and recently met up with another service user who was a neighbour years ago and they have rekindled their friendship. John looks forward to the events and really enjoys the company from the visits by the service coordinator.

 Andrew is 72 and has recently suffered poor health which affected his mobility and ability to take care of his personal needs. Through Fold’s service the housing association engaged social services and occupational health and secured a care package. Fold Telehealth monitors Andrew's vital signs remotely and he now feels safe and secure in his own home.

 The service also prompted one user to write a poetic tribute: “Now we have a social life, security and friends, with Jennifer’s support each week on whom we can depend. Our life has changed dramatically with this service overall, because if we are in difficulty we just know who to call”.

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