Audlem & District Community Action was established in 2011 as a charitable company by local people with the support of the Parish Councils, GP Practice and churches. They provide a range of local services to socially isolated older people and carers who live in the 32 square miles of rural area around Audlem. A shining example of community spirit in action they have three part time staff and 62 active volunteers, including trustees.
ADCA normally provides support to over 85 older people and vulnerable adults and 80 carers each month through two Day Clubs, two Coffee Clubs, carers’ breaks, befriending and medical transport services.
Whilst charities like ADCA offer their users a lifeline on a daily basis, it is at times of crisis that their wealth of local knowledge comes to the fore. With the help of a grant from Cheshire Community Foundation the charity were able to offer a Coronavirus Home Support Service to all their existing members and carers plus an increasing number of new service users who were having to self-isolate. The Service supported over 300 vulnerable people, nearly half of whom were new to ADCA. This included 1,280 shopping and food deliveries, 279 prescription deliveries and 932 telephone support phones calls to members and carers.
They weren’t just there for the essentials, though. When service user Maureen Edwards (Mo) turned 90 during the first lockdown, her birthday could have been an isolated and miserable affair, but her friends at ADCA stepped in to help Mo celebrate in style, decorating her gate and pathway and delivering flowers and gifts, giving her a birthday to remember – in a good way! Here’s Mo’s thank you message, posted on a local forum:
Thank You from Maureen Edwards (Mo)
What a great day I had on my 90th birthday.
Despite the lockdown, it’s a day I will remember forever. Please pass on my grateful thanks to the relatives, friends and neighbours who sent me cards, flowers and chocolates. Huge thanks also to the friends from ADCA’s Tuesday Club who visited me at a safe distance by the gate to put out the flags and to the many people who telephoned me.
I can’t wait to be with you all again.
Love from Mo X