Community Innovations Team

As people get older, many things they've always taken for granted can start to become more difficult.  Getting out and about, getting jobs done and getting by can be increasingly challenging.  For many older people having a little bit of support to get those every day things done can help them stay independent and remain an active member of the community in which they live.

The Community Innovations project aims to promote the independence and well being of older people and to support people in the community to reduce their need for help from emergency services.

These services might range from simple health checks and home adaptations, making moving around the house easier, to information on local lunch clubs or social activities. Having talked things through, a member of the team will make the necessary arrangements to put the support in place and then keep in touch to enable and ensure they happen.

The Community Innovations scheme supports the development of the Hampshire Model of Personalisation, focussing in particular on providing early intervention and prevention services to older people who are at risk of losing their independence, but who do not meet the Adult Services eligibility criteria.

The Community Innovations Teams (CITs) consist of a social worker or occupational therapist, access to health professionals, a community support worker and a community development worker.

It is a joint scheme between Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Community Health Care and, the local Well Being Partnerships, the Voluntary Sector and NHS Hampshire.

Community Innovations Teams are across Hampshire in Andover, Avon Valley, Basingstoke, Eastleigh North, Eastleigh Southern Parishes, Fareham, Gosport, Hart, Havant, Petersfield, Rushmoor, South West New Forest, Test Valley South, Totton, Waterside, Winchester City. 

The role of the Community Development Worker is essential to the multi-disciplinary working of the CITs. Based within the local Council for Voluntary Service, they have a good knowledge of local services, provide information, support local groups and identify gaps where initiatives could be created to meet identified needs.

If you or someone you know is beginning to find things more difficult and would benefit from some support, the Basingstoke Community Innovations Team would be happy to hear from you.  Telephone 01256 362057 to get details about how you can access this help

If you are an organisation, that provides services or activities to older people or someone who uses their services please contact Pam at Basingstoke Voluntary Services on 01256 423828 so that we can find out about and promote your group