Caring in Ashbourne
A helpful summary of support services in Ashbourne for the ill, vulnerable or lonely.
Contents
Home living support
Connex offer long term home support for anyone suffering from cancer or other life-limiting condition. This can include shopping, dog-walking, transport, home admin and just popping round for chat.
They also offer a shorter term service, up to six weeks, for anyone home from hospital and still vulnerable. As above this can include shopping, dog-walking, transport, home admin and just popping round for chat.
You need to register with Connex - contact info here....
Wheelchair hire
Wheelchairs are available on free loan from Connex, just £10 returnable deposit.
Cost of living help
Ashbourne Foodbank offers weekly food parcels to those who have a referral and emergency food parcels to anyone in immediate need.
Ossie's Kitchen serves hot food on Tuesday afternoons, free or for donations - please call to book.
The Elim church serves lunch on the second Wednesday every month.
Weekend doctors
St Oswalds Hospital offers a walk-in GP service on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. It runs from 10 to 4, no appointment needed.
Ouside of these hours you will need to go to A&E in Derby or Buxton or telephone 111.
Beginners tech
Connex run a digital cafe "Tea, Talk & Tech" to support and teach anyone confused about websites, mobile phones and other modern technology.
It is every Thursday 11 til 1 at The Pavilion. And also every Friday at the library, from 4 to 6:30.
You can just turn up but if possible please tell Connex you are coming and what you want to do, so they can match you with a suitable volunteer.
Community transport
Connex provide transport between home and doctors/hospital for anyone with cancer or other life-limiting condition. This is subsidised with the patient paying approx one third and Macmillan paying the rest.
Connex also offers transport between home and social outings, shopping, medical appointments etc for anyone in need and unable to use public transport. This service is paid for by the user at cost, so is much cheaper than a taxi. The volunteers will wait up to 2 hours. Wheelchair transport is available.
You need to register with Connex - contact info here....
Derbyshire Connect may also be able to help with transport to hospitals etc and they offer a bookable door to door service.
Visual impairments
Ashbourne ParkRun provides green vests for VI runners and walkers and their guides, and make announcements to inform other participants.
Simon Mahoney has written several books on the experience of sight loss and offers support to others.
The Talking Newspaper offers an audio version of the Ashbourne News Telegraph plus other publications.
Be inspired by Chris Fisher, The Blind Woodturner.
See the directory healthcare page for local opticians.
Illness support groups
Ashbourne Stroke Support Group meet twice a month to provide a social environment for survivors and carers.
Connex holds a monthly women's cancer support meeting - Wednesday mornings @ 11. Please contact them to book.
There is a dementia cafe at Ashbourne Lodge on Wednesday afternoons, 2 til 4.
Derbyshire Carers run monthly drop in for tea & chat, every 1st Wednesday from 10 til 12 at St Oswalds Church Hall.
The Parkinsons support group meets at St Oswalds Church Hall, every 3rd Thursday 2 til 4.
Alternative therapies
There are many alternative therapists operating in and around Ashbourne. Please see our healthcare page for details.
A friendly voice
Careline Calling is an Ashbourne charity with lovely volunteers who are there to befriend anyone who cannot get out or is just lonely.