A citywide campaign launches this week to help adults live healthy, independent lives for as long as possible by tapping into hi-tech and community resources.
The Live Life to the Max campaign introduces a series of characters, all named Max, who lead by example and signpost people to tools, apps, facilities and services. Businesses will also be targeted to encourage employees to ‘Be Like Max’ both in and out of the workplace.
It means everyone in Stoke-on-Trent can take control of their own wellbeing, or help their families, friends and neighbours to live their life to the maximum.
Max, who morphs into a variety of characters, with relatable life problems to solve, will help direct residents to resources that will help them to thrive.
The campaign is being launched by a new strategic partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council, health, social care and wellbeing partners along with the private sector and charities.
Stoke-on-Trent-based award-winning creative agency i-creation have developed the campaign and is leading its implementation.
The Live Life to the Max Campaign will signpost people to:
• Digital technology to help people live independently at home, such as Alexa systems which can remind people about taking their medicines or attending appointments, play music, and even provide healthy eating recipes.
• Telecare facilities which give families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are monitored and can get help at the push of a button.
• Direct payments which mean citizens who have care and support needs can get a budget to pay for their own care, from making sure they see the same carer every day, to getting the transport they need to get out and about.
• A team of health care professionals based in the city who live in the same area, or who have certain specialisms to provide the services residents need at the right time.
• A new app library specially built for Stoke-on-Trent which brings together apps which support fitness, mental health and general wellbeing.
• Nineteen community lounges across the city, where residents can go for a chat and a coffee, to meet with friends and to get advice and support on a huge range of services, from health and wellbeing to help with housing, fuel poverty, benefits or finding a job.
• Opportunities for people to become a volunteer in the city and use their knowledge and experience to help others.
• Access to aids and adaptations in the home which can help people live independently and for longer and keep them out of hospital.
Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “There are so many tools, apps, websites, services and facilities that people can access easily and which can make a huge difference to their lives.
“We want to see all residents in Stoke-on-Trent be able to Live Life to the Max, whether that means support with addiction or homelessness; exercising or healthy eating, needing care at home, or if they feel lonely and need someone to talk to.”
i-creation’s Andy Jackson said: “The digital tools and community services available in Stoke-on-Trent really can and should make more of a difference to people’s wellbeing.
“The Live Life to the Max campaign will signpost professionals and the public directly to the online places, or the places in their communities, where they can take responsibility for themselves, look out for others and engage with the services they need.
“We support senior teams at local authorities throughout the country and this year alone we’ve tendered for and won new work in Sheffield and Bolton.
“We’re grateful to be selected as a strategic partner in our own city after a competitive pitching exercise and we’re really up for the challenge.”
The next few months will see the launch of a set of new online portals which will:
• Enable social workers, NHS staff, emergency services and private sector providers to refer people directly to relevant Adult Social Care services.
• Allow people to self-assess so they can be referred directly to the service they need.
• Help people understand what financial support is available to help them to live independently at home. If they don’t qualify for financial support the new system will refer them on to other forms of appropriate support.
