In response to today’s (Tuesday 14th November 2006) £67 million commitment by Government to improve care homes for older people, including the creation of a network of volunteers to help do this, Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, Executive Director of CSV, the UK’s largest volunteering charity, said:
“Local authorities have long needed to raise their game in understanding that services provided by volunteers, far from being second best, are our best hope for a better quality of life for all citizens, based on independent living in sustainable and inclusive communities.
“It is only when professionals truly partner citizen volunteers that far more and far better services for the care of older and housebound people will be delivered to those who need them.
“Volunteers bring flexibility and the luxury of focus to their individual relationships with care service users in ways that impersonal and time restricted care services alone cannot achieve. It is clear from research that volunteers have a significant impact on health, independence and wellbeing.
“Our 12,000 senior volunteers bring commitment, practicality and time to the care of older people in their own homes and in institutions. Our young volunteers treasure the opportunity to give practical help and personal service to their grandparent’s generation. “
Further press information: Jason Tanner, 020 7812 0038 / 07941 433598
Notes for editors:
1) On 14 November 2006, the Minister for Care Services, Ivan Lewis MP launched the first ever dignity in care campaign. The campaign aims to stimulate a national debate around dignity in care and create a care system where there is zero tolerance of abuse and disrespect of older people. Details at: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=241940&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False
2) CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the UK's leading volunteering and training charity and creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their community through volunteering, training and community action. Each year 195,000 people give 4.9 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV. www.csv.org.uk