Meet Rita, a lovely lady living with dementia, and one of the first people in Little Hulton, Salford to join our new community social support pilot program. Rita’s journey teaches us how extra support and being part of a community can make a big difference.
Rita lives at home with her wonderful husband but following the COVID-19 pandemic they have found it hard to join in with their local community, and no longer felt comfortable leaving their house.
Rita was referred to our community support pilot, to help support her to try new activities both at home and in her local community. Rita and her husband enjoy having lunch in our community café too. This support has been helping to reduce social isolation and create new opportunities for Rita to enjoy.
Barbara, an Aspire Support Worker, has built a lovely relationship with Rita. When Barbara first began supporting Rita, she would visit her at her home, and engage in conversations reminiscing about the incredible history of Salford. After spending time and speaking with Rita, their goal was to enhance her social interactions, explore the local area and form new meaningful friendships.
After weeks of building trust with Barbara, Rita did something amazing. She ventured out and visited Brierley Community Café for the first time since the pandemic.
“Rita thoroughly enjoyed her first day at Brierley, she was chatting and smiling all day. Rita participated in one of our morning activities and later enjoyed a delicious hot meal from our Brierley Café.” – says Support Worker
Now, Rita visits Brierley Community Hub twice a week with support from Aspire staff and participates in our weekly baking activity.
“Rita grew up with her grandmother who was a fabulous baker, Rita really enjoys reminiscing and telling us stories about the wonderful cakes her and her grandmother used to bake.” – says Support Worker
Rita says “Coming to Brierley Community Hub is like a breath of fresh air, I really enjoy baking and talking to my friends and the staff.”
Rita’s story reminds us how important it is to be part of a community and how much it can change a person’s life.
If you would like to know more about our community social support pilot program, please email Service Manager of Brierley Community Hub Gaynor – Gaynor.jacobs@iamaspire.org.uk
