East Lindsey Ambassador's walk streets to see if fit for older residents
Volunteers are helping identify issues affecting older people and those living with dementia across the district
Volunteers across East Lindsey are helping shape services for older residents by feeding back directly to the council on issues affecting their communities.
East Lindsey District Council says its network of 39 “Ageing Well Ambassadors” is playing a growing role in supporting older people and those living with dementia - while also helping improve accessibility across towns and villages.
The ambassadors, who are volunteers based within local communities and groups, help spread information about available support while also feeding concerns and ideas back to the council.
Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Communities and Better Ageing at East Lindsey District Council, said the scheme was becoming a “valuable resource”.
“They’re working at a grassroots level. They bring us back information and connect us directly with communities," he said.
The ambassadors have recently been involved in “walking audits” as part of a new age-friendly assessment.
“We actually walked the streets in certain areas of our towns and villages just to see what the impact would be on an older person and a person suffering with dementia,” said Councillor Gray.
“The ageing well ambassadors were very much part of that. They indicated the areas they thought it would be best for us to visit because they’ve got that lived knowledge of working in those communities.”
Councillor Gray said loneliness and isolation remain major concerns for many older people and carers.
“It’s not just the person suffering with dementia, but also their carers because those carers need support too,” he said.
“There is support available and people don’t have to struggle alone.”
The council says support and information can be found on their website, including advice around dementia support, local groups and activities.
Anyone interested in becoming an Ageing Well Ambassador, joining local support groups or accessing services can also contact the council’s Healthy Communities team for more information.