Our Service We believe that a good balanced diet is essential in maintaining health and to aid recovery following illness. Our service ensures that that the meals we supply meet this need and provides a way of keeping a check on people’s wellbeing, where this is needed. Unlike all other food delivery companies we are the only supplier who can offer peace of mind to family, carers and the individual receiving meals. This daily visit is carried out by caring, trained staff who are supported by a network of other care professionals to ensure an invaluable wellbeing check. The wellbeing check is important, as for many of our existing customers the delivery driver could be the only person they see during the day. Find out more If you are experiencing difficulty cooking or preparing meals and feel that you may not be eating properly, a telephone call to the Meals Team is all you need to do. The service is open to any age group to help provide a good balanced diet. Anyone can contact the Meals Team on your behalf or you can do this yourself, you will be asked a short range of questions to enable us to set up your details on our system. We also need to ensure that you are offered the correct service and all dietary needs are met. We can offer a range of hot meals delivered Monday to Friday to your door, which can include a tea time meal. The service can be for a very short term if you are recovering from illness or long term where there is an ongoing need. Dietary Information We cater for a full range of special diets and each meal is colour coded, giving a full ingredients list. Every effort is made to avoid excessive salt, sugar and fats. Special diets can include: * Diabetic * Reducing diets – to assist with weight loss * Lower salt * Gluten free * Vegetarian * Ethnic We can also offer pureed food and soft meals for those who have problems chewing or swallowing food. Hot Meals Delivered Monday to Friday during the lunch time hours to a standard menu plan which offers a good range of dishes, it includes both a hot main meal and a dessert. Any special dietary needs are met along with personal likes and dislikes to ensure you receive a meal which you like. The person delivering your meal will ensure that you are safe and well, reporting any problems you may have to the Meals Team. This team will then take any necessary action which can sometimes mean calling an ambulance where you are very unwell or speaking to family, carers, friends, etc. Sharing of information with others is only done where you have given this information and this is part of the service. At the current time there is not a weekend hot meal delivery. Meals cannot be left if the driver does not see you and must not be reheated at any time. Tea Time Meals When receiving a hot meal you can also request an additional service for eating later in the day. This will be either a sandwich or salad with cake or fruit and a roll and butter with salads. Again these meals are on a planned daily menu to ensure a good range and all likes/dislikes are met. Cancelling/making changes Changes can be made at very short notice, up to 9.30 on the day of delivery for hot meals. If you will not be home to receive your meal you must inform the meals team. Charges The service is chargeable and prices are reviewed annually around April. Payments can be made to our drivers, cheques are the preferred method for the security of the person delivering your meal. However, cash is also accepted. You can also opt to pay by monthly invoice. Customer Satisfaction Our customers show a very high level of satisfaction with the service and we always welcome comments about the service. Surveys are carried out to ensure we offer the best possible service but the highest level of satisfaction from customers is always about the excellent staff who deliver their meal, often being the only person some people see during the day. What to expect from our staff Our staff will do the following: * Carry identification * Be polite and courteous * Respect your rights and dignity * Help to promote your independence * Listen to your needs * Ensure you are kept informed of any changes The person delivering your meal is your point of contact and will pass on any information to the Meals Team on your behalf or you can contact the Meals Team yourself. Contacting the Meals Team For any further information or to request any of the services we offer please contact us as follows: Community Meals Office 14 Fenswood Road Long Ashton BS41 9BS Telephone: 01275 882155 Fax: 01275 394326 Or find us on the North Somerset Council web site www.n-somerset.gov.uk. This publication is available in large print, Braille or audio formats on request. Help is also available for people who require council information in languages other than English. Please contact 01275 882181. 1