East Lincolnshire Rural Engagement Officer
A Perspective 18 Months On

The role of East Lincolnshire Rural Engagement Officer was created in April 2004 and is unique within Help the Aged. Demographically, East Lincolnshire has an increasing number of people over the age of 60, many moving in from urban areas and many living on or below the poverty line. Statistics suggest that older populations require a higher level of social provision to avoid the poverty trap and poor social conditions. The rural nature of our county only exacerbates the situation with services being difficult to access or in some cases non-existent. The benefits of living in a rural location become problematical when faced with isolation or ill health as is common among people in later life.

The primary role of the East Lincolnshire Rural Engagement officer has been to enable and encourage groups of older people in their efforts to establish a network of forums in the area. The purpose of an older people’s forum is to act as an independent, but united voice for any issues that affect the quality of life for individuals aged over 55. The forums provide a focal point for service providers who seek to tailor their service delivery to the real needs of the older person and also provide an ideal opportunity for the dissemination of information. Forums have tackled topics such as transport, care homes, health service provision, lack of dentists, council tax, pensions and waste disposal. The forums provide the vehicle for dialogue and consultation with service providers by establishing a relationship with these providers based on an understanding from both sides of the issues presented. A further benefit is gained in that older people, being active citizens, become empowered and are able to improve their own well-being and quality of life through the activity of the forums.

As a result of this development, it has become very clear that the voluntary and statutory sector supporting the older person in East Lincolnshire can be disjointed. Older people can often be faced with a confusing situation, not knowing where or to whom they should turn. Despite every good intention, case studies reveal that many clients fall into a gap. The precious resources available in a rural location cannot afford to be duplicated or wasted and therefore, working in creative partnerships is the key to relief of this predicament. The voluntary sector supporting older people in East Lincolnshire is establishing one such partnership called Progress. Members include Age Concern, Help the Aged, Share the Care, Alzheimer’s Carebreak, WRVS, faith groups, Order of St John and Lindsey Blind Society. Lincolnshire Social Services and the local CVS also support this group. The members believe that by working collectively, they can be more effective and efficient in their endeavours to deliver care and support to the older person.

By establishing a firm foundation of strong networks, older people’s forums and the voluntary sector will create the additional pillars required to support the upside down triangle.