A Winning Team

Dorset’s Wayfinders are now a fully established team providing a lifeline to older people across Dorset.

As part of the county-wide Partnership for Older People’s Project (POPP), 66 Wayfinders work in local communities raising awareness of services, giving out information and identifying help and support available for over 50s.

POPP project manager, Sue Warr explains:

“Wayfinders work flexibly, managing their own diaries to suit what’s happening in their local areas. They base themselves in convenient locations such as libraries, GP surgeries, community pharmacies and supermarkets so people can find them easily.

“They have access to lots of useful information and are able to help with everyday problems or one-off issues, such as public transport times, details of local trades-people or locations of the nearest lunch clubs. Whatever the question, they will be able to find the answer or point people in the right direction.”

POPP is funded by central government as one of 29 national pilot programmes improving the quality of life for older people. Wayfinders and local Leaders play a pivotal role in promoting healthy lifestyles, independence and quality of life. They provide a vital support network, helping people to live in their own homes and communities for as long as they wish.

Dallas Reeves is a Wayfinder in the most westerly part of Dorset, including Lyme Regis and the Somerset border. She said:

“I am meeting lots of wonderful people and helping with several issues, including where to get help with filling in a form, how to claim extra benefits and how to go about getting a bathroom fitted to make life easier.

“The Wayfinder role is being recognised as a valuable link to the many services available to older people in Dorset and I have been welcomed warmly by both individuals and organisations.”

Most Wayfinder posts have now been filled, however, the POPP team are keen to recruit volunteers to help Wayfinders with various tasks including leaflet distribution, home visits and administration.

For further information about Wayfinders, contact Liz Cragg on 01305 269444 or email wayfindersinfo@acdorchester.org.

Dallas Reeves can be contacted on 07971 338398 or wayfinderdallas@acdorchester.org. A full list of Wayfinders and contact details are available on www.dorsetforyou.com/popp