A CHARITY is collaborating with Hampshire County Council, marking a significant expansion of its community wellbeing programmes in Andover, Eastleigh, and Winchester.

Unity, a non-profit organisation, has successfully acquired new contracts in Eastleigh and Winchester, and a renewal of its contract in Andover.

The charity's Community Wellbeing Worker service is designed to provide short-term, preventative support to individuals aged 65 and above and their carers.

By utilising community resources, the service aims to promote older people's independence, help them to meet their personal goals, and mitigate the strains of food and fuel poverty.

Referrals are received directly from adult social services, aiding continuity of care and allowing cross agency collaboration.

Established in 1988 as Test Valley Community Services, Unity brings people together and tackles hardships faced by the community.

Part-funded by Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, Unity provides information, signposting, social prescribing, and home support services.

The charity's recent milestone of obtaining Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration will allow it to provide more services to residents of the Test Valley, including home support and a 'Take a Break' service.

Unlike the Community Wellbeing Worker service that requires referral, these services are open to anyone who can benefit from them.

Unity’s CQC registered manager said: "After supporting residents of the Test Valley for many years through Unity’s various existing services, and working with vulnerable people to access information and support throughout the pandemic, it became apparent that there was a need for care and support services in the local area for residents with lower level needs that may not require a traditional domiciliary care service.

"Our CQC registration has given us an exciting opportunity to offer an extra layer of support to local residents on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis, through our Domiciliary care, Home Support and Take a Break services.

"We have a small team of experienced and highly trained staff that provide consistent and person centred support to meet our client’s individual needs."

During the peaks of the pandemic, Unity provided support for vaccine centres in Andover and Romsey, coordinated prescription collection and delivery, and carried out telephone welfare checks for the elderly and vulnerable.

For more information on Unity's offerings, visit its website, email info@unityonline.org.uk, or call 03304 004 116.