LILY (Living Independently in Later Years) here to help all of West Norfolk’s old folks
Published on the 08 March 2014 11:48
The new directory which can be found at www.asklily.org.uk has been compiled by West Norfolk Council on behalf of the West Norfolk Partnership.
It contains over 900 entries covering social activities, health, transport, money matters and more, and is designed to be a one-stop-shop for anyone looking for information for the over 65s living in West Norfolk.
At the last Census, 23per cent of West Norfolk’s population was over 65, with 27per cent of these people living alone. Estimates suggest that these figures are set to rise.
Second home ownership, the rural nature of the borough and a trend for people to retire to West Norfolk from other areas, mean many older people can find themselves without vital community or family networks. LILY brings together a range of information, for older people and those who support them, in one place, making it easy for people to find the contacts and information they need.
Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing explained: “We want to help older people to live independently in their own homes and to get the most out of living in West Norfolk.
“Often the services, advice or activities that people need are out there, but getting the correct information relies upon asking the right person, so we’re encouraging anyone who wants to know about services for older people to ask LILY. Whether you’re looking for information about healthcare, where to find a handyperson or local clubs and social activities, LILY should be able to give you what you need to make the first contact.”
Hazel Fredericks, Chair of the Older Persons’ Forum, which has tested out the new directory, said: “West Norfolk Older Persons’ Forum is really pleased to support the launch of the LILY website because it provides a wealth of information to help older people in their daily lives, in so many ways”.
Joanne Mawson, who has been compiling the directory, explained that the directory is still a work in progress that the team will continue to develop in the coming months.
She said: “There’s a lot going on in the area for older people and it has been quite a task pulling together the information. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped and would encourage anyone who runs community services or activities for older people to check that they are listed in the directory and if they are not, to get in touch with us by calling 01553 616653 or emailing asklily@west-norfolk.gov.uk.
“We’re hoping that by asking LILY people will find the answers to their questions, but anyone who can’t find the specific information they’re looking for can contact us and we will try to fill in the gaps in the future.”
As well as being designed for older people to use for themselves, the online directory is also aimed at anyone who supports older people, including professionals, families or carers.
Information is organised under clear categories making it easy to navigate and the online directory includes a search facility and an option to create personalised short-lists of relevant material.
The online directory is designed to give convenient access for all, however, people who do not have easy access to the internet will be able to call the borough council information centre on 01553 616200 and an advisor will navigate the directory on their behalf.
The directory is part of a wider programme of work which seeks to improve older people’s quality of life. Known as Prevention First, the programme aims to help prevent acute problems by tackling low-level issues before they escalate. For more information visit: www.askliliy.org.uk.
