A ‘ONE-STOP shop’ for elderly and vulnerable people – a first of its kind in Worcestershire – has opened in Redditch town centre.
‘Redditch Together’ based in the Ecumenical Centre, in Evesham Walk, brings together all the information and advice senior citizens might need under one roof.
It’s the perfect destination to find friendly advice, access a range of care services or to just pick up a leaflet to find out when the next Scrabble event will be held.
Borough Councillor Pat Witherspoon has been a major driving force in getting the scheme set up.
She said: “It’s going to make life that much easier for anyone who is over the age of 50 and wants to find out some information.
“I think a lot of people in that age group know how to use the internet but don’t necessarily want to.
“Instead they want the experience to be more personal, where they can come and go as they please, and that’s exactly what this service offers.”
Coun Witherspoon believes if it proves to be successful in the long term then other towns may follow suite.
Backing has come from a range of organisations, including Carers Careline, the Disability Support Group, who are both already in the Ecumenical Centre, and Age UK.
“One of the county councillors has helped from their divisional funds and hopefully we will get donations and of course we will be applying for grants too,” said Coun Witherspoon. Disability Support Project founder Alex Powell said: “It’s special to have something like this all together and accessible to everyone.
“If someone has a problem they can come here knowing that one of our team will follow their issue up right through to the end.
“Although we have only been open a short time, the service we offer is working brilliantly.”
Redditch Together will be open weekdays from 10am to 2pm.
