The Noughties

2000 - 2010

2008

Help & Care secured Local Involvement Network contracts in 12 local authority areas across Southern England, following the abolition of PPIF.

We also established Regional Management Structure, the UK’s first Social Enterprise Estate Agency supporting older people to move to appropriate accommodation, and the Hospital Advocacy and Brokerage Service at St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight.

Handiworks Plus Service was launched as a sustainable Social Enterprise.

2007

We launched our Telephone Befriending service, run by volunteers. 

2006

A report on sexuality and ageing was published – “Gay and Grey: Lifting the lid” - following a 3 year research project by a group of older lesbians and gay men.  

Help & Care started a collaboration with Bournemouth University.

The organisation supported the development of Dorset Partnerships for Older People Programme (POPP), and was awarded the contract for recruiting, training and supporting 33 Community Leaders.

2005

Mark Sharman became Chief Executive.

Help & Care led a partnership of organisations called “Link Age”, which aimed to develop and promote integrated support and services for older people.

2004

In 2004, Help & Care started hosting the Older People’s Programme and “Distress & Well Being” project, a national pilot service to support older people with depression and anxiety. We also launched our Gateway service and published “Getting Aboard”, a research into the learning aspirations of older people in North & East Dorset.

2003

Mark Sharman was awarded an OBE in The Queen’s New Year honours list, and an honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University.

In response to the proposed Community Care (Delayed Discharges) Bill, Bournemouth Social Services approached Help & Care to look at providing a screening / assessment service for Bournemouth residents who were in-patients at Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH).

Help & Care launched the Hospital Discharge Support Service at RBH as part of the integrated discharge team based at the hospital.

We were awarded Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contracts across Dorset and some of Hampshire’s areas. PPI forums ensure local people have a say in health service planning and delivery, working with NHS Trusts.  

2002

The organisation launched Volunteer Support Service, and “Clearing the Hurdles” was published, a research report project by older people.

Help & Care turn over topped £1m for the first time.

2001

Help & Care commissioned to manage and develop the Department of Health Pilot Care Direct in Bournemouth.  Single Point of Contact for Health, Housing and Social Care. Social Services Access Team seconded to Help and Care along with DWP Benefit Advisors.

2000

We launched “Connect”, one-stop information service for older people, and published “Different Sort of Organisation”, a report on the development of Help & Care.

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