Whats in this section?

Whats in this section?

Services developed in partnership with the voluntary sector

Adult Social Care works with voluntary and community organisations and charities to deliver preventative care services and fund these activities. These organisations allow older people and those with disabilities to remain independent in their homes. These services are a vital form of support and can help delay or avoid the need for formal care services.

Examples include:

  • day services, day care, lunch clubs and social groups;
  • befriending, visiting and telephone contact services;
  • support schemes to help those being discharged from hospital;
  • support for carers;
  • respite care or short breaks;
  • advocacy, information and advice; and
  • handyperson/handyman schemes.

You can search for these local support services in our support services and trades section.

Active Body, Active Mind

Active Body

Staying fit and healthy is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If you are starting a new exercise program, here are five tips to bear in mind:

  1. Start slow

    When starting a new fitness regime. Don’t try and do too much too fast.

  2. Find your rhythm

    Try and set aside a specific time each day for exercise; a little bit every day is preferable to great efforts a couple of times per week.

  3. Best exercises for older people

    Aim for activities that improve your flexibility and maintain muscle strength. Such activities may include walking or swimming, lighter weights, Yoga and Tai Chi.

  4. Find a group

    Doing exercise with other people can help your motivation; most leisure centres have various groups aimed at older people.

  5. Keep a log

    A simple record of what exercise you do each day is a helpful measure of your progress and help decide what exercises work best for you.

For more information on how to stay active, see our article on 5 fitness tips for older people.

Active Mind

Maintaining an active mind is just as important to those trying to live independently as maintaining your physical well-being. Exercising your brain as well as your body enables you to live a happier and more fulfilled life.

Mobile apps can be a great way to exercise your brain when you have a spare few minutes. Please find out more about the best apps to keep you mentally active in our article Mental Stimulation is Everything: Apps that keep the brain Ticking.

Healthy lifestyle tips

Here are some other tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle: 

  • Healthy eating – we all need a balanced diet and exercise to ensure that we have good physical and mental health.
  • Stopping smoking – use the NHS stop smoking tool to get daily tips for quitting smoking; visit the NHS Choices website.
  • Leisure centres offer opportunities for getting active and healthy. For details of what’s on, visit your local leisure centre’s website, or see our page on leisure and activities.
  • You can now also get NHS verified health advice from Amazon Alexa devices. For example asking “Alexa, how do I treat a migraine?” will give out the correct NHS verified advice for this issue, find out more.

Libraries and community hubs

Libraries provide much more than just books and are often valuable resources for individuals of all ages. In addition, many libraries offer public internet access and easy access to local historical records.

Find your local library service now.

Some regions will have community hubs that provide services and activities for residents in their local area. Your local council’s website should be able to direct you to your nearest community hub.

Daycare centres

Many older people can feel lonely or isolated without an opportunity to take part in meaningful activities. However, research has shown that you can reduce loneliness and promote well-being by participating in more organised social activities.
Daycare centres give individuals the chance to meet new friends, take up an activity or receive specialist services such as chiropody or hairdressing.
A large number around the country supports older people, those with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and dementia.
Day opportunities can be as crucial for carers as those attending, offering them a regular break from caring. Attendance may be free or chargeable; however, transport and meals usually require payment.

Find a day care centre near you.

Meals on wheels

Meals on wheels are ready meals delivered to your home and can significantly support those living independently. In addition, there are frozen meal services and freshly-cooked hot meal services. Frozen meals can be delivered in bulk and kept in your freezer until required.


Local councils can arrange for meals to be delivered to your door. However, you would need to be assessed for eligibility, and it may not be accessible. Similarly, several companies can also provide meals on wheels or home delivery meals at a charge.

Find a meals service in your area.

Blue badge scheme

The blue badge scheme is a national system of parking concessions, allowing holders to park close to their destination. The blue badge scheme is also open to organisations that care for disabled people and meet the qualifying criteria.

Apply for a blue badge.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy provides advice, assessments and solutions for those living in their own home requiring physical assistance. These solutions can include equipment and adaptations.
OT’s may refer you to these services following an assessment by your local adult social care or health professional.

Find an occupational therapist.

Mobility equipment

Mobility equipment is designed to allow older people or those living with disabilities to keep living independently.
Indoor walking aids such as walking trolleys can make for a safer home environment. For example, by helping prevent spills and trips when moving from room to room.


Outdoor aids such as wheelchairs, rollators and mobility scooters can enable users to remain socially active; as a result, they can have a significant impact on both physical independence and mental health.

Find a provider of mobility equipment.

Purchasing equipment

Purchasing quality and reliable equipment for independent living can occasionally be difficult for those with limited budgets.

If you need financial help to buy mobility equipment, see our article finding funding for mobility equipment. Here we go over specific grants you can apply for and other schemes such as Access to Work.

Assistive equipment

There are home aids and equipment available to make a living independently at home easier and improve safety and independence. Examples include stair rails, raised toilet seats, shower stools etc.

Additionally, adaptive technologies are available to support limited motor skills, memory problems or sensory difficulties. Examples of this include:

  • Electronic pillboxes with alarms to remind you when to take a specific medication.
  • Smart home systems that can turn up the heating or switch off the lights.
  • Key finders.

For more information on what kinds are available, see our equipment and technology providers page.