TITLE The Open Daw
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 PLAN - WHAT DID YOU SET OUT TO DO? |
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| Summary/ Description of Activity |
| DCC initiative with Inter-agency forum linked to re-generation of Dawlish project. Initially the group met at Dawlish Library. As a result of an Inter-agency enquiry into the needs of older people, initiated by the librarian of Dawlish Library, an independent survey was commissioned. The survey asked older people what they felt was needed for the age group in the local community, and as a result it was discovered that there was a need for a central meeting place to access help, advice and information on a wide range of subjects. After a 5 year search a venue was found through partnership working with the local Methodist Church. Participants are now able to go to the Open Daw to access sources of information and receive help. Once a quarter an ‘agency day’ is held tom allow other agencies to be together on one particular day thus allowing the participants even wider access to information and forging stronger links for the group and the public. |
| Learning objectives: |
| Participants can meet with community representatives who may be of help to them. Participants can be guided to varied sources of information regarding for example benefits, the law, and community issues. Participants have the opportunity to meet with local councillors, policemen, the volunteer bureau, community wardens, a solicitor, charity & Fairtrade representatives, Dawlish Museum and local history group. Participants can access useful advice. Participants can report local and/or personal concerns. Participants can keep up to date with news of coming local events. |
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DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY |
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| Date [dd/mm/yyyy] |
Mon-Fri |
| Length of activity |
2 hours |
| Frequency |
Daily |
| Organiser |
Sue Hill, co-ordinator and staff of mainly older volunteers |
| Tutor |
various |
| Group Size |
various |
| Venue |
The foyer of the Methodist Church in Brunswick Place |
| Location |
Dawlish Devon UK |
| Environment |
Rural |
| Location Factors |
None identified |
| Partnerships |
The Methodist Church provides the space, and all agencies that provide free advice. |
| Target group |
Older people in the area needing help, advice and/or companionship. |
| Contact |
opendaw@btconnect.com; +44 1626 867722 |
| Marketing |
Website; Posters; Community groups |
| Method of delivery |
Ono to one; Talks |
| Equipment required |
Telephone; Computer; Tables; Chairs; Kitchen facilities |
| Other Factors |
Staff sickness and/or availability; Availability of building; Availability of community groups |
| Tasks |
(Task1) Involving seniors in learning process |
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EVALUATION OF ACTIVITY
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| Evaluation of the Learning Objectives |
| It provides a central base for people to access community and social information. It fulfils useful signposting service to the correct agency if needing help. Provides free advice. Allows local councillors, police and other civic officials to have access to the public on a one to one basis. |
| Evaluation of the activity |
| Well attended, so on-going 5 days per week. The continued enthusiasm and availability of volunteers demonstrates the success of the group. |
| Evaluation of what was learned by the participants |
| Participants receive help and advice which means that they access correct bodies and support networks. As the centre evolves and grows even more agencies could become involved on a regular or intermittent basis. |
| Evaluation of what staff have learned |
| The initial problem was finding a suitable central venue. Working in partnership with the Methodist Church resolved this problem when the use of the foyer was offered. No other problems encountered. |
| Keywords |
| Community; inter-agency; volunteers; advice; England; Open Daw; Devon; seniors; |
ANALYSIS OF EVALUATION |
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| What would you change to improve activity? |
| Not applicable |
| What particular circumstance could affect a change in the activity? |
| Accessibility for the elderly. Central location. Availability of supporting groups. Funding Ascertain the particular needs of an area/country to make sure that there is a need for this activity. |
| Other possible Activities |
| Linking in with other support groups for other age groups, e.g. the Open Daw is planning links with Teen bridge Action for Youth. Expanding the training of volunteers in this particular field of work. |
| Best practice |
| This activity is best practice as it is based on documented needs of the particular target group, and also run by volunteers from within the target audience. Only by bigger premises, which are currently not available. |
| Transferability: |
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