VULNERABLE people are being offered increased support to help them stay independent during the pandemic.

Dorset Council is working with Age UK to ensure local residents can get help to continue to live independently in their homes.

Volunteers are acting as 'befrienders' to spend time with vulnerable people and help spot signs that they may have become more frail or likely to fall because of their reduced ability to keep active during the pandemic.

Dave Thorp, chief executive officer of Age UK North, South & West Dorset said: “This is a simple yet effective way of reducing the impact of self-isolation on isolated and vulnerable older people, and the demand it places on local health and care services.

“Together with Dorset Council, and other partner agencies, we want to ensure older people can continue to live independently and safely for as long as they are able and want to do so.

“Our staff and volunteers make friendly calls to vulnerable people on a regular basis and, with their consent, can take that support one step further by putting them in touch with Tricuro’s reablement services.”

If volunteer befrienders notice a vulnerable person becoming weaker, they may offer them a referral to the reablement services on offer from the council’s care provider Tricuro.

Councillor Laura Miller, Dorset Council portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: "Covid-19 has disrupted many people’s routines, including their exercise patterns, and for elderly or vulnerable people this can quickly have an impact on their ability to stay active and independent.

"By referring people to our reablement services, the befrienders are making it more likely Dorset’s vulnerable residents can remain in their own homes and avoid going into hospital or other care settings."

There is no charge for this service and a wide variety of support is on offer – from information and guidance, to practical support such as equipment to improve independence and increase confidence at home.

Volunteers can register their interest in volunteering online via Dorset Council’s website.