Missing Elderly – Herbert Protocol

Wiltshire Police, in partnership with Alzheimer’s Support, Swindon Carers and local authorities, is launching Herbert Protocol, a nationwide scheme encouraging carers to compile and store useful information to use in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.

 

It’s estimated that 4/10 people with dementia will go missing at some point, often unintentionally.

 

This booklet, once completed, can be quickly handed to the police, reducing the time taken gathering information about the person.

 

The Herbert Protocol is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings who lived with dementia.

 

Do you care for an elderly vulnerable person and worry they might go missing? Download a form and find out more by clicking on this link.

 

Patient Transport Advice Centre - Getting to/from Hospital

Do you think you need help from the NHS to get to hospital for appointments or services because your health condition impacts on your ability to use routine transport (cars/trains/buses/taxis/wheelchair taxis)?

If yes, call the Patient Transport Advice Centre on 01278 727 410 between 8.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday and have your NHS number ready. You will, however, be subject to an eligibility assessment and the NHS staff will ask about your needs and if you qualify. If you don't qualify, they can give you suggestions for alternative means. See 'Downton Link' below. Downton Surgery can also make these appointments for you and you will need to speak to reception or your Healthcare Professional.

 

Wiltshire IAPT Wellbeing Service

Follow this link for their website.

Are you struggling with your mental health?

IAPT is a wellbeing service which provides psycho-educational services as well as one-to-one support for psychological needs. Speak to one of your GPs about a referral or look at their website for helpful advice and resources.

 

Link Transport Scheme

Link Schemes are community-based, volunteer run charities based predominantly in Wiltshire which aim to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged, elderly or infirm people by providing transport and ‘good neighbour’ services.

Link schemes help to keep local communities connected to vital services, by connecting volunteer drivers (using their own cars), with passengers who have limited access to transport. Depending on volunteer availability, this can involve taking someone to a medical appointment, taking them shopping, collections, or providing ‘good neighbour’ services like prescription collection.

There is no charge, but a donation is requested from passengers using Link volunteer cars to support the cost of running the service. Each Link scheme is run by a group of local volunteers managed by a local Link Co-ordinator. People wishing to use the service, simply call their local co-ordinator who will endeavour to arrange for a volunteer to carry out the task. Please call 01725 513 807 or email info@downtonlink.org.uk.

Downton Link is available for those living in...

Downton

Charlton All Saints

Woodfalls

Redlynch

Morgan's Vale

Lover

Hale

Woodgreen

Breamore

They also need VOLUNTEERS! Please contact them if you drive a car and interested in giving a few hours of your time each week.

 

Wiltshire Safeguarding

If you have concerns for a child or an adult who is vulnerable or experiencing harm, neglect or abuse, please contact MASH:

Wiltshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 0300 456 0108 (08:45am-5pm Mon-Thurs) and (8:45am-4pm) Friday

Emergency Duty Service 0300 456 0100 (5pm - 8.45am).

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Wiltshire Health Trainers

This free service is open to those aged 18 + who are interested in improving their general wellbeing, building motivation, losing weight, reducing smoking, as well as a range of other help. Health trainers will work on a one to one basis to support behaviour change and improve health. If you are interested in this new service, you can self-refer following this link. If you do not have access to a computer, or would prefer discussing this with a Doctor, please call the surgery. 

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Breastfeeding Support in Wiltshire

Please follow this link if you would like more information and guidance on breastfeeding support in Wiltshire. The infographic below demonstrates the different type of professionals who are able to help.

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Mum2Mum - peer breastfeeding support in Downton!

Looking for a peer support group for breastfeeding in a welcoming, friendly environment? Come along to Mum2Mum on Mondays 11am-12.30pm in Downton Baptist Church. Ring 01722 323 208 to check location and times.

 

Have you considered fostering?

Could you provide a safe, nurturing environment to raise a foster child?

Follow this link for more information on fostering in Wiltshire.

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