Express & Star

Buddy scheme to improve lives of Wolverhampton's elderly

A chaperone service empowering lonely elderly people and helping them to reclaim their independence has been launched.

Published
Maye Bernard, pictured centre, was one of the first to sign up to the scheme

Mandy Catchpole and Clare Smith have united for Appointments Buddy, which they believe is the only service of its kind in the Black Country.

The pair are now hoping they can improve the quality of life of the region's most vulnerable by offering them a travel companion for vital medical appointments and trips.

Willenhall resident Maye Bernard was one of the first people to sign up for the service, which has been backed by wolves legend Steve Bull.

The 78-year-old, who uses the service to get her to the GP surgery, hospital appointments and church, said: "I have had so many problems with taxis, I call and then they don't come.

"It is so great. There's nothing else like it. Anywhere I want to go, they take me, this service is second to none.

"They always come into my flat and make me a cup of tea before they leave. I have been telling everyone I meet about it."

Maye, 78, is with director Clare Smith, founder Mandy Catchpole, Steve Bull, Suresh Bawa and staff from the scheme

A team of registered cares, dubbed "buddies", are paired with people wanting help before driving them to their destination.

The "punctual and reliable" carers pick and drop residents off at places including dental practices, opticians, day centres, shops and hairdressers.

Often, the buddies remain with residents during medical appointments, staying by their side and offering a friendly face.

Director Mrs Smith said she hoped the service - which was launched at Wolverhampton's The Mount Hotel - would ease the pressure on families struggling to balance working life with the needs of their older loved ones.

She added: "It's all about giving them their independence back. It's a lovely feeling knowing that we are doing something really good for somebody else.

"It's really making a difference to people's lives. Some of them have nobody at home.

Managing director and beautician Ms Catchpole said she came up with the idea of the service after visiting care homes to offer elderly people facials, and realised their transport difficulties.

She said: "My friend gave me the confidence to give up my job and follow my dreams. I have been affected by loneliness, I understand how that feels."

Suresh Bawa, trustee of Wolverhampton-based charity Promise Dreams, is also backing the service.

He said: "This is all about looking after people who want companionship, care and transport.

"This is giving a life back to people, who for many hours, are by themselves - it's about giving them the normal things that people take for granted."