Community Engagement

Community Engagement: Supporting Older People and Strengthening Local Connections

 

How Carelink’s Community Engagement Worker is bringing support, confidence and companionship directly into the community.
 
At Carelink, our mission has always been to support older and vulnerable people so they can remain safe, independent, and connected. While our emergency response service is at the heart of what we do, community engagement is becoming an increasingly important part of our work—helping us reach more people, build relationships, and offer meaningful support beyond the alarm system itself.
 
After a challenging period of restrictions and social distancing, we are finally able to fully welcome our Community Engagement Worker, Janet, into the role she was originally recruited for at the start of last year. With over ten years of experience as a Carelink Operator, along with hands-on installation work whenever needed, Janet brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her new position.
 
She loves meeting people, attending groups, and connecting with the community. If you run a group or session and would like Janet to pop along, simply give us a call—we’re always happy to arrange a visit.

 

Meet Janet – Carelink’s Community Engagement Worker

 
Janet is far from a new face within Carelink. Over the past decade, she has supported countless customers through emergency calls, wellness checks, equipment installations, and day-to-day reassurance. Her compassion and friendly approach help customers feel safe during stressful and vulnerable moments.
 
Her background also includes installing Carelink alarms, keysafes, and pendants—giving her valuable hands-on understanding of how our technology supports people at home. Many customers feel instantly at ease with her, and she is known for her warm personality, practical knowledge, and ability to explain things clearly.
 
Now, as Community Engagement Worker, Janet finally gets to step outside the office and bring Carelink directly into the heart of the community—exactly what she loves doing.

 

Supporting the Later Life Partnership

 
Janet’s first major responsibility has been supporting the Later Life Partnership, a collaborative initiative between:
 

• Age UK
• Friendship at Home
• Carelink

 
Together, these organisations work to reduce loneliness, support independent living, and bring essential services directly to older adults across North East Lincolnshire.

 

Delivering Meals to Older People

 
As part of the program, Janet has been assisting with meal deliveries. This service helps ensure that older people receive:
 

• nutritious food on a regular basis,
• friendly social contact,
• welfare checks,
• and the reassurance that someone is looking out for them.

 
For those who struggle with mobility or transport—or who simply live alone—this regular contact can have a profound impact on wellbeing and confidence.

 

Helping Older People Use Tablets and Technology

 
Digital exclusion is a growing challenge among older adults. Many struggle to use smartphones, tablets, or online tools due to lack of experience or confidence. Janet has been helping older residents learn how to:
 

• make video calls,
• send messages,
• use tablets safely,
• connect with family members online,
• and access helpful digital services.

 
These skills not only help reduce loneliness but also empower older adults to participate more fully in today’s digital world.

 

Attending Local Events, Groups and Community Sessions

 
As local services reopen, Janet will be visiting a wide range of events and gatherings across the area, including:
 

• public events and community fairs,
• coffee mornings and luncheon clubs,
• church groups and wellbeing sessions,
• craft groups, hobby clubs and societies,
• support groups, charity events and more.

 
Her role is simple but powerful: to talk to people about Carelink, explain how the service works, answer questions, and offer guidance on staying safe and independent at home.
 
Many residents are surprised to learn how affordable and accessible the service is—and that it supports not just older adults, but anyone who feels vulnerable or may need reassurance, including people with disabilities, long-term conditions, or mobility limitations.

 

Invite Janet to Your Group or Event

 
If you run a local club, society, community group, or event and would like Janet to come along, we would be delighted to arrange a visit. She can give a short talk, answer questions, provide information, or simply chat informally with members.
 
To invite Janet or learn more, please contact Carelink on 01472 312312.

 

Why Community Engagement Matters

 
Community engagement strengthens Carelink’s mission in several meaningful ways:
 

• Reducing loneliness and isolation — many older people go days without social contact; Janet’s visits make a real difference.
• Raising awareness — many residents do not know Carelink exists or how much it can help.
• Building partnerships — by working with local organisations, we create a stronger safety net for vulnerable people.
• Improving emergency support — meeting people in person helps identify needs and ensure they are fully supported.
• Building trust and confidence — face-to-face conversations help people feel comfortable asking for help.

 

Supporting Community Wellbeing Together

 
Janet’s new role is more than community outreach—it is a commitment to helping older residents feel seen, valued, and connected. Through partnerships, events, talks, and local activities, she helps bring Carelink’s mission into everyday life.
 
If you’d like Janet to visit your group or event, or if you would like to learn more about Carelink services, please call us on 01472 312312. We are always happy to help.