Aim and objectives of the report - CLES

Beneficiary Case StudyJoan: Just the pointer I neededJoan, 84 years old, was self referred after reading an article in the local newspaper about Upstream.At the time of the first mentor visit, Joan was somewhat isolated having moved to the area to livenearer to her daughter. She was living in temporary accommodation, which she found unsettling.Joan felt lonely from time to time and was keen to get to know people and be part of thecommunity. In her past she had always been active and recognized the importance of keeping bothphysically and mentally active. She had an interest in healthy eating and physical activity anddescribed her mobility as ‘good’ despite hip problems. It was apparent from the Upstream healthmapping exercise, which revealed no social or physical activities since moving house, that Joanwould need local community activities identified and mapped for her. In the past she had beenactively involved in voluntary work but had decided she would now just like to be a participant incommunity activities.Although keen to get involved in groups and community activities, she was uncertain as to whatsuitable opportunities existed. Her first goal was to increase the opportunities to leave the house, tomeet more people, make friends and gain confidence. The Upstream mentor recommended EstherSpa ladies only morning, U3A and a local history group. The second goal was to create moreopportunities for physical activity such as Walk and Talk and the Upstream Best Foot Forward lightexercise to music group, which was to be launched at the ‘Winter Warmer’ event in Tiverton. Alsoattending would be a representative of Walk and Talk who could talk to her about the suitability ofthe routes.Joan took up the suggestions enthusiastically, attending Best Foot Forward and making a friendthere. She also tried a keep fit class, Walk and Talk and Phoenix Ladies Group. These new activitieshave contributed to greater feelings of being in control, improved self confidence and meetingpeople again, and helping Joan to remain fitter more active and independent for as long as possible.It was agreed that her goals have been achieved and she no longer needed mentoring. As Joanexplained in her letter, Upstream’s intervention was just the pointer she needed. This is illustrated inthe letter below.Dear CarolThank you for giving me your time and advice when you called the other day. Also for yourfollow up letter with all the information which I find very helpful. I enjoyed your successfulBest Foot Forward day last Wednesday and I made a friend there. I have joined the U3A andPhoenix groups and am going to the History of Tiverton course, which starts this Thursday. Ialso joined the short walks Friday morning. Thank you for your help. It was just the pointer Ineeded. I hope to join a computer class next.Yours sincerely, Joan144 SWWB Final Evaluation Report