achievements: developing and expanding services

One of our priorities in 2006-7 was to continue to develop and expand our service for older people at home, in their communities and during their visits to hospital.

We developed a range of new community services, helping an additional 2,000 older people to live independently at home and in their community.

We also expanded our network of shops and cafés in hospitals, helping to raise vital income for WRVS’ work in local communities and enabling us to provide additional support services for older people in and out of hospital.

We opened two new Meals on Wheels services, but lost contracts to deliver meals in four other communities.

Listening to the voices and opinions of those who use and contribute to our work is vital. In 2006-7 we held at least one consultation group with volunteers and older people who use our services in each of our 33 territories where we operate covering England, Scotland and Wales. In many cases consultation was more frequent with several consultation group sessions, augmented by local satisfaction surveys and other opportunities for older people to provide suggestions.

In most areas consultation has focused on feedback on current services, suggestions for improvements and identifying what new or different support would help older people to become more independent and retain control of their lives.