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Press Release |
Ref: PRCP020 Date: 2ndSeptember 2024
ReConnected project celebrates one year of bringing people and communities together in Staffordshire
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An initiative supporting active living for older adults is celebrating a successful first year.
Developed by Care Plus, part of the Housing Plus Group, the ReConnected project hosts a variety of free events for people aged 55 and over, fostering community engagement, physical activity and social interaction in Stafford Borough and South Staffordshire.
Since its launch inJuly2023 with support from the National Lottery Community Fund, ReConnected has attracted over450 members whohave participated in more than 80 free activities. These events have provided opportunities for people to develop their skills, explore new interests and make new meaningful connections.
Members have delved into genealogy, tested their knowledge during quiz afternoons and even solved a thrilling murder mysterywhile sipping on mocktails. They also enjoyed a cream tea while listening to a concert by the talented vintage harmony duo Bluebird Belles and got in the festive spirit while watching a Christmas pantomime.
Eileen, a ReConnected member, praised the project at the Bluebird Belles concert earlier this year. She said: "The ReConnected events are brilliant. They help people who are perhaps on their own to get together and meet different people.
"We do a lot of social get-togethers. We meet up for a drink and a chat, or there are quizzes and art and crafts. Everyone's very welcoming, and the organisers and volunteers are wonderful. They look after us."
Local residents actively contributed to shaping the ReConnected activities through consultations held last year. Their input ensured that the project resonated with the community's needs and preferences.
Lisa Fisher, ReConnected project coordinator, reflects on the successful year: "It's been a fantastic first year of ReConnected, and we are delighted with the positive response. As we move forward, we eagerly anticipate helping more people from the wider community step out, stay active, and forge new connections in the coming year."
To learn more about the ReConnected service and explore upcomingevents and regular clubs heldin your area, visitwww.care-plus.org.uk/ReConnectedor call 0161 768 9255 (calls are charged at a local rate).
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ReConnected project celebrates successful first year.
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Background for editors
Care Plus specialises in housing and support for older people and those with physical or learning difficulties. Managing 57 retirement living communities in Staffordshire and Shropshire as well as a residential nursing home, Care Plus helps people to live independently in their own homes with support including 24:7 telecare response, wellbeing services and home care.
The personal care service delivered by Care Plus has been assessed as Good in all areas by the Care Quality Commission.
Registered as a Charitable Community Benefit Society, Care Plus is a Housing Plus Group company. The Group is a leading provider of quality, affordable homes and care services that customers can trust. Member companies also include Homes Plus, Property Plus and Severn Homes.
With a vision to be a resilient organisation, making a positive difference to homes, lives and communities, Housing Plus Group employs around 1,000 people in Staffordshire and Shropshire. The growing Group is addressing the housing crisis locally, by building new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale. It has committed to delivering affordable care and support for older people in their own homes and to creating new apprenticeship opportunities in the Group and its supply chain.
Housing Plus Group is inspired and guidedby the values which are the foundations of its work: Communication, Learning, Accountable, Respectful, Inclusive, Trust and You.
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) requires that all registered providers confirm compliance with the Regulatory Framework, Governance and Financial Viability Standard. Housing Plus Group complies with this standard, holding the RSH highest rating for governance, G1 and V2 for viability. Please visit www.gov.uk to find out more.
Further information
Mara Hargreaves
Head of marketing and communications
Mobile (p): 07967 967 466
e:mara.hargreaves@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Ruby Davies
Marketing and communications officer
Housing Plus Group
Mobile: 07485 922 776
e:ruby.davies@hosuingplusgroup.co.uk
Martin Farrow
CHANGEWORKS Communications
t: + 44 (0) 1785 247588
m: +44 (0)7771 970025
e:mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk