My visit at Contact-the-Elderly

I had a lovely chat with Marie - the communications manager at CTE.

This is how CTE works:
Every month on a Sunday afternoon, up to 8 people come together for a tea party. There is the host (a volunteer), 2 drivers (again volunteers) and up to 5 people over 75 years. The elderly get to know the driver very well. In general volunteers stay for a long time with CTE because they build friendships. This all takes place locally. Marie emphasized the aspect of 'community' and the local area.
There is always a coordinator of each group who contacts the development officer for updates. CTE has currently 16 development officers and 350 groups.

Who are the elderly who take part?
80% are 80 years and older, they spent a lot of time at home, have no family or family lives far away, they go out about 2 twice a week (at most), friends left or passed away, majority are women, have some kind of disabilities (sight, wheelchair, hearing)
It's a big step for them to get in contact with CTE

How does CTE get in contact with the elderly people?
CTE gets mainly referrals from social services (the most)*, hospitals, district nurses, other charities (lots from age concern)
Referrals from family friends
They distribute leaflets with mobile libraries, meals on wheels
*social services deals mainly with cases of emergency and no prevention, therefore they like to refer early to other charities

What is the registration process?
Once an initial contact is established the older person needs to fill in a contact form (they provide assistance if older people have problems filling in the form). With this form CTE assesses the social life of the person. They check with the development officers about suitable groups. the older person receives a letter informing them that the group co-ordinator will be contact.

how does CTE know their activities work?
Marie sent me a survey report with interesting results and demographics. Overall, the participants have a feeling of improvement.

Who are the volunteers?
Marie explained that several of her volunteers are between 65 and 75 years. Some of them also use email to stay in contact. Marie sent me a contact for a volunteer who currently writes a blog. http://theagepage.typepad.com/

The online future?
Marie mentioned how the Saga forum has increasing membership numbers. She is open to 'online' ideas as more people will be computer literate and 'online' is another way to communicate. She interested in learning more about my research.