Charity to continue support service prompted by lockdown inquiry

Disability Direct, which supports disabled, older people and carers, is to continue a support service prompted by an inquiry received during lockdown.

Founded in 1993, the Derby charity first began as an information and advice service. But its management quickly saw the need for benefits support and independent living advice.

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During lockdown, the charity started its Community Cares project, which was prompted by its 130,000th inquiry.

Sally Austin, Disability Direct’s director of operations, said: “Projects are created to meet the needs of disabled people in Derby.

“We listen to our members and service users to understand where the support is lacking.

“Our 130,000th inquiry came from a lady who was unable to leave her home and had no family.

“Her only friend who she had relied on previously for shopping was also shielding and she was desperate for groceries and just for someone to talk to.

“Within a week, we had received nine similar inquiries and we realised there was a huge number of people who were required to shield but had no available support.

“This meant many people were confined to their homes with little access to food, medication and social stimulation.

“The Community Cares project was quickly created with volunteers helping people who do not qualify for social care support and have few or no family or friends to assist them.

“These volunteers assist with essential tasks such as shopping, medication collection, transport to appointments, welfare checks and befriending.”

Betty Shepard, who will be celebrating her 90th birthday in July, has been one of those to benefit.

She said: “I felt like I was imprisoned during lockdown. I have barely left the house in over a year and most days I didn’t speak to a soul – but Community Cares has changed that.

“Liz, who is the volunteer co-ordinator and has been assigned to me, calls most days and visits now we can sit outside. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

Sally said: “The project will continue. I believe the pandemic has just highlighted the need for such a service in Derby.

“Many of the people we have come into contact with did not have any support pre-lockdown and are desperate for interaction. Indeed, a phone call or a visit is proven to help with mental health.

“The pandemic has had a lasting effect on many vulnerable people and we will continue to offer support for as long as they need us.”