Blackpool Council out and about service

What is Out and About?

Volunteers befriend an adult so they can go out in the community and take part in social or leisure activities. This allows their carer to have a few hours break.

Are you a Carer?

A carer is someone who supports a relative, partner or friend who cannot manage on their own. You do not have to live with the person nor do you have to be the only person who does the caring. Out and About is aimed at carers who are aged 18+

How can we help?

Carers may welcome a break and need time to themselves. We aim to support you to have some time to visit friends, follow an interest or do whatever you choose.

What about the person you care for?

They can get to know a volunteer. Volunteers can support people to take part in activities in the community, such as going shopping, bowling or for a drink.

This may be one to one with a volunteer, or in a small group with other adults and their volunteers. We try to arrange activities based on someone’s interests and hobbies.

Volunteer can also offer support to take part in voluntary work or education/leisure activities. 

The Out and About Service recognises that carers need time for themselves to: 

visit friends

• follow an interest
• do some shopping
• visit friends

When is Out and About available?

Depending on the choice of activity and/or the availability of volunteers, our service is available seven days a week from 9am – 10pm. You will usually have to make arrangements in advance for a set day and time each week.

What does Out and About cost?

The supported person will need to have enough money to pay for the activities they want to take part in and for any food and drink they have whilst they are out. Volunteers are paid out of pocket expenses.

Transport

Carers are asked, wherever possible, to help with transport. However, in some cases, volunteers may be able to help.

How are our volunteers approved?

All volunteers are interviewed, references are taken up and they have a Disclosure and Barring Service Check. They are assessed and matched to the roles to which they are best suited.

How can I access this service?

We offer the service to you if you have had a Carer Assessment and it has been identified that the Out and About service will support you.

You can request an assessment through the social worker of the person you care for or by contacting Social Services Direct.

What happens next?

Once the Carer Assessment is completed you may be referred to the Out and About Service. The service will contact you and discuss the support you need. This helps us to match you to the right volunteer.

When we have matched you with a volunteer we will arrange for you to meet. At this meeting we will confirm the arrangements you require.

What if my situation changes?

The arrangements will be reviewed regularly to make sure that they meet your requirements. However, if your circumstances change please contact us to discuss what changes are required.

Further information

For more information about other volunteer services that are available to you such as the Sitting Service please contact us or the Adult Social Care Team 01253 477592.