Going out and about isn’t always as straight forward as we hope. As we get older, our confidence may dwindle, and the chaos of crowded areas can be daunting. Going to and from the places we need or want to go to can also present problems.
Will there be a seat somewhere if I need to rest?
Will it rain while I’m out?
What if I fall getting on or off the bus?
These are just a few of the challenges that Carol and Jane experienced when faced with going out. We share how Happy to Help Gateshead’s 1-2-1 assisted outings service helped them to rebuild confidence and made a positive change to their wellbeing.
Carol’s Story
When I heard that Happy to Help Gateshead offered an assisted outings service, I knew it was something that could help me. My mobility isn’t what it used to be, and getting out and doing the things I love is harder now.
I called them up, and when I’d chatted to the team, I knew I’d made the right decision.
A week later, I was introduced to Joanne at my initial home visit. Joanne would be assisting me from home and back again on my two outings. I immediately felt at ease and felt we would get on very well together.
I decided I would like to go to the Metrocentre on my first outings, and Joanne was happy to take me there.
She picked me up from home, which was a great help to me, as I didn’t have to walk to the bus stop, which is on a bit of a hill. When we arrived at the Metrocentre, we went for a coffee. I felt comfortable with Joanne even though we had just met, and we chatted about many things and had a good laugh.
Joanne was friendly, caring and a good listener. I didn’t feel judged at all about my situation and how I had been feeling about going out alone.
When we had finished our coffee, I needed to do some shopping, and again, Joanne was happy to go with me.
When I was ready, Joanne took me home, and I thanked her for her company. I’m really looking forward to meeting her again. I don’t think my mobility will ever be what it was, but I’m really grateful for a service like this that can help make going out a pleasure again, rather than a chore.
Jane’s Story
I’d been staying at home a lot, like many other people during the Coronavirus outbreak, and even when restrictions were lifted, I felt anxious about going out again. The thought of going to busy places frightened me, and I’d lost the courage I used to have.
My family work during the day, so the time ticks by slowly until I can see them, and with the dark nights in Autumn and Winter, I don’t want to be out late, or burden them with taking me out on weekends when places are even busier.
I’d seen Happy to Help Gateshead’s outings service on my local residents page on Facebook, and gave them a call.
I thought it was a great idea to help me get back out there and active again. They even popped out to visit me at home first, to introduce themselves and it put me at ease knowing what to expect.
When I first met Jordan from Happy to Help Gateshead on my home visit, I knew we’d have a great first outing together. He was pleasant, quietly spoken and we got on really well.
I told him I wanted to go to the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead. I hadn’t been for years and I felt like it was the perfect place to go to, and hoped it wouldn’t be too busy during the week. After so long staying at home on my own I’d felt worried about going out again, but knowing Jordan was taking me there, and taking me home after, took away some of the anxiety.
We spent our time looking at all the exhibits and paintings on show. It was lovely to be out, and Jordan helped me to feel at ease. He was very caring and we shared our life stories and memories. He was a great lister (as I can talk!)
We went for a cuppa after we left the gallery, and continued our conversation there, and on the way home too.
I really enjoyed the outings, and it was good to have someone with me to assist me to get out and about with confidence. I’m already planning on where to go next, but even after just one outing, I’m feeling much better. It was such a boost to my self-confidence. It’s long days on your own, so to feel like I’m on the right road to getting some of my independence back is a wonderful thought.
Are you or a loved one struggling to go out and about alone?
Do you or your loved one want to go out but lack confidence to do so alone?
Do you have to attend an appointment but you'd like someone to go with you?
Have you fancied a new hobby, or to join a group but you'd like some companionship until you feel comfortable to go by yourself?
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Is there somewhere you'd like to visit but you can't travel alone?
It can be daunting and frustrating when you want or need to go out but you can't or don't want to go alone. Often, our family and friends might have work or family commitments during the day when we most need or want to leave the house.
Let us help you with this!
The team at Happy to Help Gateshead specialises in offering personalised support for older people and those with disabilities. With a track record dating back to 2006, we have assisted hundreds of people to go out with confidence, support and most importantly, a trusted companion.
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Why our client's love our 1-2-1 assisted outing service...
​-Flexibility - use the service regularly, or as and when needed
-Available any weekday morning or afternoon
-Book from 1 to 4 hours
-The choice to go where you wish or need to go
-Companionship from home and back again
-No contracts to sign
-£18.50 per hour
-Have the same wonderful Happy to Help Gateshead companion each time you go out, for added peace of mind
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With our 1-2-1 support, the possibilities are endless! Here are just some of the ways that our customers are using the service:-
· Leisure Activities
· Restaurants
· The beach/coast
· Garden centres
· Cinemas or theatres
· Museums
· Walks in the park
· Banking and Post Office Visits
· Shopping Centres, Supermarkets
· Appointments (GP, Hospital etc)
· Church services
· Optician and dentist appointments
· Hairdressers/barber
· Help with packing if moving home
· Escorting to see family or friends
· Visits to other local places of interest
Everyone is different, that’s why our 1-2-1 Assisted Outings Service is completely personal, and can be used in the way that you want, when you want.
Visit our Website or call us on 0191 4785919 to find out more.
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