Age UK community foot care clinic launched in Kidderminster

After securing funding from Wyre Forest District Council's Innovation Fund, the charity's Wyre Forest branch (BRWF) is piloting the service at the Tulip Tree Centre in Castle Road.

Foot care health practitioner Nigel Hunt has joined the Age UK team to deliver the service, which will initially be held fortnightly on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm. It is hoped the service will then be extended in coming months.

Nigel said: "People don’t often realise how their health is affected by their feet.

"Having worked in health care for over 15 years, I have seen so many people struggling because they are unable to access affordable, quality foot care. This is why I wanted to get involved with Age UK BRWF’s new service.

"But this service is not just about feet, it is also about people.

"I understand the importance of a friendly face, not being rushed and being listened too, and I hope that when people leave our clinic not only will they have comfortable feet but also a smile on their face.”

Age UK hopes that by improving foot health among the elderly community, the service will also help to reduce trips and falls.

The charity's home manager Sam Jones said: “To access the service is simple. All you need to do is to obtain a referral form, which you can obtain by calling our office or by downloading a copy from our website, and have the form signed by your doctor or nurse to ensure the service is suitable for you.

"Once the form is returned to us, we will contact you to arrange your first appointment.

"Your initial appointment will last approximately 30 minutes and there will be a one-off charge of £21, which includes a personal foot care kit. After this, appointments cost £10 per session, with appointments typically being arranged for every eight weeks.”

For more information about Age UK foot care services, call 01527 570490, email enquiries@ageukbrwf.org.uk or visit ageuk.org.uk/brwf.