Village Agents pilot project to Launch Oct 2009
Village Agents’ is a new partnership project being piloted in Mid Essex from October 2009.
The Village Agents pilot in Essex is funded by a partnership between Essex County Council, the Braintree Local Strategic Partnership and NHS Mid Essex. The partnership has commissioned Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) as the pilot project delivery
The Village Agents scheme supports many of the Partners priorities in improving access to health and wellbeing services and supporting people to live a better quality of life. This project also builds on the existing RCCE role in working with rural parishes, businesses, statutory and 3rd sector agencies to deliver a stronger rural community.
The RCCE will use their local expertise, networks and knowledge to work with parish councils to inform and develop the project.
This pilot project will be based upon an example of best practice at Gloucestershire County Council, who has now mainstreamed a similar service after a two year pilot with great success. Gloucestershire has 28 part-time staff working across over 200 rural parishes, supporting people over the age of 50.
The primary focus of the Mid Essex pilot project is to provide isolated or disadvantaged older people in rural communities with easier access to information and services. However, no other disadvantaged or isolated people will be excluded from receiving Village Agent assistance.
Village Agents will be responsible for signposting local residents to a range of services and information sources that are able to provide the right help, advice and support in effect joining up services for older people in rural areas and identifying any unmet needs in the local community.
12 Village Agents will be introduced to communities in Braintree, Chelmsford and Maldon. The Village Agents will be recruited and trained locally by the RCCE from these communities with their exact placements agreed in consultation with key stakeholders.
The role of the Village Agents will compliment and work with existing lines of information and communication, such as mobile libraries, parish, district and borough councillors, as well as parish clerks.
The pilot project is scheduled to last until 31st March 2011. If it is successful and attracts further funding, it is hoped that it may be implemented throughout the County.
For further details please visit the RCCE website www.essexrcc.org.uk or call 0844 477 3938
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