TASS was thrilled to receive the support of two local Business Men recently, Ian Bellamey donated a light weight Wheelchair for use with Shopmobility, whilst John Emptage supported the Charity by donating an Information board for outside the centre.

Both men commented on how they were pleased to support a local charity making a difference to local people and hoped their donation would help people get out and about and find information they need about what support is available to them.

Andy Lyle Manager of TASS was pleased to accept their generosity, saying that the support of local businesses helps support the much needed work of TASS in making a difference to local people.

TAVISTOCK AREA

SUPPORT SERVICES

(Charity No 1129175)

THE ANCHORAGE CENTRE

We Work with those over 55

If you need help to get out and about

we can help you!

Shopmobility

Health Transport

TASS Out and About

For further information contact Bernice

On 01822 617525 or call into The Anchorage Centre  

‘A local Charity making a difference for local people’

Editorial

Tavistock Area Support Service has for the last 27 years been helping local older people through the various services we offer.

Transport is crucial to helping get people out and about and here at TASS we offer a wide range of transport solutions, from Wheelchair Accessible Transport, Shopmobility, Transport to Health, TASS Out and Aboutand supporting other Community Groups in getting out and about.

Transport to health has developed to provide transport to help get people to their hospital and Dr’s appointments. The service is run by a core of volunteer drivers who travel 1,000 of miles a month.

Shopmobity is available to anyone with a mobility problem, helping them to access local shops and amenities. We provide scooters, power chairs, wheelchairs and walking aids and if needed these can be on a short term loan agreement or to help people on holiday.

TASS Out and About, runs trips out to various venues and weekends away, including a Sunday Lunch Club! The minibuses are driven by volunteers and can pick you up from your home and return you home afterwards. These trips are varied and last year we covered over 10,000 miles!

We can also help you if you are a community group by providing our minibuses to help Your group get out and about.

To find out more ‘Just Ask’ by either calling into The Anchorage Centre or phone 01822 616958.

TASS - ‘A local Charity making a difference for local People’

MP and Secretary of State IDS meet TASS volunteers

Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, visited local Tavistock charity, Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS), last Friday to meet staff, volunteers and service users. The Cabinet Minister was accompanied by local MP, Geoffrey Cox, who had invited him to hear from those on the front line how their work could be helped by the Government.

TASS General Manager Andy Lyle spoke to the Secretary of State about the support the charity provides in the local area, and touched on the community transport service, the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) it operates for hospital transport, and the success of  the various clubs and groups that use the Anchorage Centre to meet. He urged the Secretary of State to ensure that government support reached small rural charities as well as the big national organisations such as Age Concern.

Geoffrey spoke in support of the charity, drawing attention to the very limited funding they receive.  He said: “TASS only receives in the region of £10,000 in aid from the County Council, and raises tens of thousands of pounds for its work from the community. ”

“I thought it was important for  Iain to be aware of exactly what small, truly community organisations like TASS can do in rural areas like ours, and with what few resources.  TASS is a local charitable group that performs vital services in West Devon that does not pay high salaries or have large costs but devotes the overwhelming majority of the money raised to the benefit of local people.”

“I know Iain has committed to reporting back to me and to TASS on how the government can enable TASS to do even more.”

“I am grateful to Andy and all at TASS for welcoming us to the Anchorage Centre, and hope this visit will bring attention to the extraordinarily valuable work they are doing there.”

The TASS Befriending Service has been developed to provide friendly informal support to people aged 55+, or people who have a physical disability, living in Tavistock and surrounding areas. We have recently received a grant from the Big Lottery Awards for All, specifically to make the service available to people living in the more rural parts of the area.

Befrienders are all volunteers with TASS. They aim to improve the quality of life for people who may be lonely, isolated, unable to get out and about on their own. They will visit regularly, usually on a weekly basis, and spend a bit of time with the individual doing what that person wants to do. For many of the current people we are involved with that is often having a cup of tea and a chat. For others who may have lost confidence about going out the befriender can go with them into town, shopping or other outings. Befrienders do not offer any personal care, household tasks or shopping on behalf of the person.

People can be referred to the service either by themselves or a family member or health and social care services. There is a very simple referral form to complete. If you, or someone you know, would like to make a referral please contact Ann Wilson on 01822 616958