From establishing a headline-grabbing walking football team, building carer supports to forming singing groups, voluntary organisations have played a crucial role in improving the lives of older people in North Lanarkshire.

Now, a new booklet has charted the development of community-based supports like these across the area – and how people can get involved today – at a crucial time of reform.

In line with national legislation, integrated health and social care arrangements have to be in place in North Lanarkshire, and across Scotland, by 1 April 2016.

Integration is about local teams of health and social care professionals working together – alongside partners including unpaid carers, the independent sector and the voluntary sector.

In North Lanarkshire, a well-established spirit of partnership working, consolidated by the Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP) programme, is underpinning the integration agenda.

RCOP funding was made available from 2011- 2015 to help make independent living a reality to growing numbers of older people by providing more support and care in the community, at home or in homely settings. Kenny Moffat, CEO of Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL), explained the publication of the booklet takes stock of what’s been achieved so far as agencies embark together on a new future.

Kenny said: “In North Lanarkshire the RCOP programme, which also involved NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council and the independent sector, was embraced with passion, commitment – and abundant innovation.

“One of the main areas the partnership – and, in particular, the voluntary sector – focussed on was strengthening communities, known as community capacity building.

“The aim has been to give people and community groups resources and backing to enable them to take a leading role in developing and contributing to the support and services their community need.

“The booklet charts what was implemented, and activities that are still ongoing, from Vintage High Teas, Dancing Groups and Digital Inclusion and Community Transport and support for those being discharged from hospital.

“Crucially, these have all played an important role in the effort to help reduce social isolation and prevent the need for complex care. As we embark on a new era of integrated working we do so carrying tremendous momentum and well-established networks at community level.”

Janice Hewitt, Chief Accountable Officer of Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire said: “Our vision is that people of North Lanarkshire will achieve their full potential through living safe, healthy and independent lives in their communities.

“We also are committed to people receiving the right support and care they need, efficiently and effectively, at the right time and the right place.

“Our partners in the voluntary sector have a crucial part to play and the excellent work carried out so far creates a firm platform across our communities as we work to the future together.”

You can read the booklet now by visiting: http://goo.gl/gT1z5y

To obtain a hard copy contact VANL on 01698 358866

How do I find out what’s happening around me now?

Visit VANL’s locator tool at http://locatornl.org.uk/ Simply enter your post code for your location, select the type of activity/service you are looking for and distance from your location and the programme will identify results.