Our Visiting Support Officers provide short-term support to help you stay independent, safe and well in your own home and continue doing the things that are important to you.
We offer this free service to people living in South Cambridgeshire who are aged 65 or over and would like support to maintain their independence and wellbeing. If you live in sheltered housing, you can access the service from age 55.
A Visiting Support Officer will visit you to understand your circumstances, listen to what matters most to you and discuss the areas where you may need support. Together, we will create a support and wellbeing plan that focuses on your priorities and goals, helping you to maintain your independence and improve your wellbeing.
You can access the Visiting Support Service through a referral. This can be made by:
- yourself (self-referral)
- a council officer
- your GP or another health professional
- family members or carers
- social prescribers
- adult social care teams
- voluntary and community organisations
We can support you with a range of financial, housing, health, wellbeing and social needs. Our approach is centred around you, helping you identify what matters most, access the right services and feel more confident managing everyday life.
Financial support
We can support you with:
- managing debts
- budgeting and managing your money
- helping you understand and access any benefits or financial support that may be available to you
- completing forms and applications
- setting up payment plans
- understanding and managing household bills
Housing support
We can support you with:
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understanding and managing your tenancy
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completing Home-Link applications and exploring housing options
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accessing advice and support to help you maintain your home
Health and wellbeing support
We can support you to access support for:
- personal care
- cooking, shopping, laundry and gardening services
- anxiety, low mood or depression
- memory concerns
- managing medication
- accessing GP appointments and other health services
- loneliness, isolation or staying connected with others
Social activities and community connections
We can support you to:
- find local groups, activities within your local community
- access chair-based exercise groups
- connect with volunteering opportunities
Where appropriate, we can connect you with professionals and organisations that can provide further support, including:
- Occupational therapists who can advise on changes or equipment to help you live safely and independently at home
- Mobile Wardens who can provide reassurance, regular support, and a connection to your local community
We can also offer advice and guidance around personal safety and keeping your home safe.
We provide support in a professional, respectful, and non-judgemental way. We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different, and we will work alongside you to identify what matters most, agree your priorities and support you to achieve the things that are important to you.