Firstport

SMILE helps older people to get the assistance they need with domestic tasks, such as shopping, cleaning, ironing, laundry and light gardening, and to enjoy company and conversation on a one-to-one basis. We operate in Stirling and the surrounding area. SMILE operates in two ways: 1. We put people seeking domestic help in touch with individuals we have vetted who wish to do cleaning or other household work on an independent basis. If our clients approve the cleaner, they can take them on on a private basis (in the same way as people have traditionally taken on a cleaner). This is a cost effective solution as after paying a commission fee for the introduction to the cleaner, clients simply pay the cleaner at their own rate (rather than paying an hourly agency rate). 2. We also have a team of carefully selected staff who supply the domestic assistance and/or companionship specifically to older people. We manage and monitor all staff activities and keep in close contact with clients. This service offers more assurance to seniors, though until we have secured grant funding to supplement costs, it is more expensive for older people to use. Older people or others could request Direct Payments from the council to pay for the above services.

SMILE will be seeking to formalise its social enterprise status in the coming months.

1. 29 Anchorscross
2. Dunblane
3. FK15 9JP

• Tel: 01786 825998
• Website: www.caringsmile.org.uk

• Part time staff: 3
• Turnover: 15,000
• Operational Since: October 2006