AVSED's Services Explained

Accessible Transport:

AVSED has two fully accessible minibuses. These are fundamental to our ability to supply many of our services. We also hire in one other minibus every week. These buses provide "door-to-door" transport for the clients of our four Social Centres and our Gentle Exercise Class. In addition, we hire our minibus to various older people's organisations - eg. Rawdon Darby and Joan, the Convent Day Centre, St John's Luncheon Club and Yeadon Methodist Church (Sunday transport) - bringing in much needed revenue.

Visiting Service:

We are constantly seeking new specialist Volunteers and all offers of help are welcome.

Befriending Service:

Volunteer Befrienders regularly visit some of our Clients at home and many close friendships have developed.  Our Volunteers provide a listening ear and an "early warning system", which alerts the Community Workers to potential problems upon which we may offer further help and support. Befrienders are matched to those Clients who can no longer access our other services and who are housebound.

Bereavement Support:

The Community Workers continue to provide support and practical help for bereaved Clients and their families.

Carer Support:

Carers of our older disabled Clients often need practical and emotional support. Our Community Workers offer this face-to-face and, increasingly, by telephone.

Outreach Excursions:

Our popular trips for Outreach Clients using the "Windmill" bus have gone from strength to strength, with four whole-day trips now being booked each year.

Volunteer Outings:

Each year, our Volunteers enjoy a day out Christmas shopping.

Advice and Information:

The Community Workers provide help and advice (concerning older people) to all members of the general public, in some cases referring them to the appropriate agency for specialist services as needed. Liaison with all statutory bodies has also increased since the launch of the National Service Framework for Older People by the Government in 2001, and AVSED now works more closely with Leeds City Council, the Primary Care Trust and the Older People's Network in Leeds.

Public Relations:

We continue to maintain a high profile in the community with our minibuses, one eye-catching van and articles appearing in the local press.

The above projects are only possible thanks to our dedicated Volunteers.