Type=image;ImageID=3741;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Opening Life Direct;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=3742;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Life Direct;TitleClass=strong;
The doors of Life Direct, on Victoria Street, opened for the first time on Tuesday (1 April, 2014) and will give older residents advice and support on everything from help around the home to keeping active by linking them up to a network of organisations across the city.
Life Direct, delivered by whg - a leading housing provider - will primarily help residents in the city aged 55 and over. The service has been commissioned by Wolverhampton City Council to increase support to the city's growing older population.
Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, cut the ribbon on the new service and said: "We are determined to do all we can to help older people remain independent for longer. Life Direct will enable them to access a range of services and activities which will help them live a better quality of life.
"Helping people remain independent by giving them access to information, advice and support in this way will also play a key role in reducing people's need for longer term care and support."
Debra Berry, head of housing services at whg, said: "We are delighted to be able to launch this new service in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council. The aim of the service is to signpost older residents to services that can improve their quality of life and help maintain their independence.
"Our Life Direct advisors will be on hand every week day between 10am and 4pm at the Life Direct centre to enable residents to drop in at their leisure, and we will also be running events out in the community.
"The centre will provide a welcoming and comfortable environment, so do pop along and see what Life Direct has to offer. From healthy eating and keeping up with technology to groups that support carers, we can help people over 55 and their families make the most of the many services and organisations in the city."
Recent research found that around 20% of older people living in Wolverhampton were at risk of losing their independence, perhaps because they live alone or have a small social network, have dementia, care for a loved one or have suffered a fall, and Life Direct will particularly target these groups.
For more information, please visit the new premises on Victoria Street or log on to Type=links;Linkid=3271;Title=Life Direct;Target=_blank;.
- released: Thursday 3 April, 2014