Financial savvy mental wellbeing for the elderly

Aim

Cherishers 811 is working to help people take control of their wellbeing giving tools for financially independent living.

Financial savvy mental wellbeing for the elderly

Cherishers 811 is working to help people take control of their wellbeing giving tools for financially independent living. 

No-one should feel that they cannot access financial services...

We are Cherishers 811

Cherishers provides care, companionship and communication to the vulnerable in Staffordshire as a free community service. We go into homes as carers / befrienders and teach digital skills which promotes independence, combats isolation and loneliness. 

Cherishers understands the impact of the cost of living crisis and is looking at ways to help people cope with soaring bills and prices. We also provide guidance on how people can help themselves with savvy financial training and host warm rooms for the training – opening up heated community buildings so that people can come in during the day, rather than have to heat their own homes

What the funds will be used for

Cherishers understand the importance of financial skills during the cost of living crisis. We will make financial support training available to assist people with internet banking, benefits claiming and understanding their bills – providing assistance on how the applications process works and internet access. This will be within our warm room – saving costs and building community spirit whilst sharing lunch and gaining knowledge. 

Cherishers provide befriending in our community and are in a position of trust to those aged 60-90, being a trusted carer, we support financial savvy training for the vulnerable and isolated so they are aware of scams and don’t get exploited.

We have identified the need for trained assistants /technology to provide access to mainstream financial services and tools. We see the requirement as being a critical lifeline providing cost-of-living support to vulnerable clients

What we will do with the funds raised

We will provide financial training/support sessions for 20 people once a week for 10 weeks March- May 2023 with access to cost of living support though our specialist partner agencies  

Financial support includes a lunch club at our leisure/wellbeing room, 20 people 1 day per week for 10 weeks, allowance £50 per person to include carers, pick up and drop off, Chef, cleaning and all dining provisions.  Total £10,000

5 x Ipads plus software to assist with financial training Total; £5000

Why support us - A word from our cherished community:

“Cherishers what a kind-hearted, selfless and compassionate team! My mother and I both contacted COVID and was rushed into hospital (intensive care). Sadly, my mother died, and I survived however I was left physically disabled from the disease. After surviving Covid and coming home following 3 months in hospital you provided me with the support to rebuild my life! Yet nothing has been too much for you… from Hospital appointments, doctor trips, cleaning my home, picking up my prescriptions and doing my shopping! I can honestly say that without your friendship and services I don’t think I would have wanted to face the world anymore! I am able to move on from the loss of my Mother knowing that I have a new family with the team at Cherishers who genuinely care THANK YOU”

Thank you again on behalf of Cherishers for all of your support - it means so much!

This project successfully funded on 3rd April 2023