SCCCC

SCCCC (previously known as Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care) are a charity working closely with statutory agencies in Sheffield to provide a network of support for older people, their carers and families. Most of their work helps older people in their own homes. SCCCC can also support people who are admitted to or discharged from hospital or are living in a residential home.

Their Sheffield-based services and areas of focus are listed below. You can find out more about any of their projects on their website.

Good Neighbours Scheme

The Good Neighbours Scheme involves matching older members of the community with local volunteers. These volunteers can provide support with:

• Regular social visits
• Re-arranging furniture to enable greater mobility
• Escorting to hospital appointments (service user to bear the cost of any taxi)
• Telephone support, a friendly call on a regular basis
• Pen Pal Scheme

The service is free and aims to combat loneliness for people over 65 living in Sheffield.

The Pen Pal Scheme helps older people in Sheffield stay connected through letters, cards and “happy post” sent by members of the public. It is designed to brighten someone’s day, reduce isolation and offer a regular sense of connection for people who may not be able to get out easily or receive regular visits.

They take referrals from a wide range of sources including district nurses, GPs, social work teams and various intermediate care teams. Referrals also come from relatives and potential service users. You can telephone the office on 0114 250 5290 (Option 2) or use their email referral form, simply download the form and email back to: [email protected]  (all the information they require is on the form). Or email [email protected] to request a form.

Telephone Support Service

If you are over 65, feeling lonely or isolated, living in Sheffield and would like to talk to someone on the telephone on a regular basis, you can access SCCCC’s Telephone Support Service. They can match you up with a friendly volunteer who will ring you regularly to chat with you about whatever you wish to talk about.

Contact Tammy Wilson on 0114 250 5292 or email her [email protected] to refer yourself to the scheme.

Discharge Lounge Support

SCCCC work closely with the Northern General Hospital Discharge Lounge to support older people who are well enough to leave hospital but have no other safe way to get home. Discharge Lounge Support provides a safe escort home, helps patients settle in, and can include practical checks such as making sure the heating is on and that the person has what they need immediately after discharge.

This Sheffield service operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and referrals are made by health professionals only.

Back Home Scheme

The Back Home Scheme is based in Sheffield. It is a 4-week person centred plan to help people regain confidence and to empower them to settle back into their home and community after hospital discharge.

The scheme provides support around a range of practical tasks. This includes light cleaning, shopping, short-term help with bills and direct debits, blue badge applications, attendance allowance support, and reconnecting people with their local community.

It is open to self-referrals and referrals from health professionals.

Hospital to Home

SCCCC’s Hospital to Home service works with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, the ICB and community health professionals to provide timely support for vulnerable and frail patients over 55 when they are leaving hospital. Support can include transport home from hospital, emergency food shops, mobility equipment deliveries, access and environmental visits, and practical help to make the home safer for discharge.

Referrals are usually made by health professionals through SCCCC’s referral email [email protected] or by calling 0114 250 5290 and selecting Option 1.

Trusted Assessor Scheme

The Trusted Assessor Scheme supports people in Sheffield by assessing individuals in their homes for minor aids and adaptations, such as toileting equipment or raising furniture. The team can also help reduce falls risk by identifying trip hazards, improving access around the home and supporting safer movement, helping people remain independent and reducing delays around hospital discharge.

Adverse Weather Support

During periods of extreme weather, Adverse Weather Support can help health professionals and vulnerable people in Sheffield with safe transport using a specially adapted 4×4 vehicle. This helps essential appointments, visits and care continue when snow, ice or other adverse conditions make normal travel difficult.

St Luke’s Transport Project

SCCCC also works in partnership with St Luke’s Hospice to provide accessible transport for patients attending therapy sessions, clinical appointments and respite care. The adapted minibus helps remove barriers for people who may struggle with the cost of taxis, limited mobility or anxiety about travelling independently.

Temporary Key Safes

SCCCC loan out temporary key-safes to people who need them. These help prevent delayed hospital discharge by providing temporary key access for the carer(s) until a more permanently fixed key-safe can be fitted.

High Seat Chair Loan

SCCCC loan out high seat chairs for a period of 6-8 weeks. These are primarily for patients who have had hip or knee surgery and are there to aid recovery.

Please contact Karen Redfern for further details E: [email protected]