Offer support

Hopefully during your conversations with older people you will have identified the kind of help they need. Of course, don't assume they need help but if, in the course of your conversations, you find they do - follow the steps below.

Step 1

Work out what they need on a regular basis. Try to work out a pattern for the amount of support they will need.

Step 2

Identify what you have available to offer. By this we mean work out both if you have people with skills or knowledge that can help with certain chores and if you have anyone who might be able to pitch to help with supplying essentials like food or water or with buying these things.

Step 3

If possible, create a local fund. By spreading across the community the impetus to raise funds, hpefully you can get enough to provide some basic necessities.

Step 4

If you can, appeal to community leaders for help with Step 3. They might allow you to speak at a local meeting or visit businesses and ask for help.

Step 5

Raise the profile of your work. Try to find places you can go to speak about your work - for example at schools or communities centres. If you know any local newspaper or radio contacts, speak to them about doing an interview or appeal.