Day opportunities – outreach support given to citizens during the pandemic
Birmingham: A report to cabinet shows the support given to older and vulnerable citizens when day centres were closed during pandemic restrictions.
With building-based day opportunities closed for a year, providers were asked to consider how they could design and implement programmes of outreach support for citizens.
Throughout the closure period, providers innovated and rose to the challenge, by developing and offering a range of practical, creative, therapeutic and educational outreach services.
The report shows that during the period from the first lockdown in March 2020 to 31 March 2021, they provided:
- Phone calls – 56,009
- Online contacts – 21,069
- Home/garden visits – 15,481
- Shopping trips – 2,452
- Meals – 9,593
- Medication drop-offs – 206
- Activity packs – 28,495
Cllr Paulette Hamilton, cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: “The people who support our most vulnerable citizens did amazing work when building-based services had to be closed. Whether providing meals and activities or just someone to talk to, they ensured our older citizens and those with learning disabilities felt they weren’t alone.
“This work was done in really difficult circumstances and often away from the public eye. I want to thank all those involved for the tremendous work they have done and continue to do.
“We are now going to be reviewing our day opportunities to make sure they are the right fit for people, learning any lessons from the pandemic. This will done in partnership with citizens, familes, carers and providers as they have lived experience of day opportunity services prior to and during the pandemic.”
The report will go to cabinet on 14 December.
