05/12/2002

Local MP David Drew will launch an innovative new community scheme later this week for older residents of Dursley and Cam.

The scheme 'People for You', designed to help older people to gain greater independence at home, will provide access services for garden maintenance, shopping, befriending, low key house maintenance and signposting to other services.

Phil Sullivan, Chair of the Stroud Locality Planning Team, said:

"The 'People for You' initiative is a pilot project to help older and vulnerable people in the Cam and Dursley district and is a perfect example of how the Locality Planning Team can join up local services in order to tackle the vital issues, such as community safety, benefits advice and gardening and deliver them to people who need them most."

Barbara Weldon, Scheme Co-ordinator said:

"By making just one phone call, older people can get information and advice about all kinds of local services designed to help them to remain independent. Calls could range from something relatively simple to needing to find someone to help with walking a dog to advice about filling in benefit forms."

Barbara, who is employed by the 'Care and Repair' Home Improvement Charity is based at their Dursley shop. She will help callers with information about how to access the range of local services available to them. She will also liaise with all agencies providing local services to ensure that a comprehensive register of help is maintained.

A particularly innovative aspect of the Scheme is the Community Gardening Scheme. It is envisaged that volunteers will be mainly drawn from the early-retired group who want to contribute to their local community. Other people or groups may also join the scheme, such as young people and people with learning disabilities.

Its aim is to address the needs of the growing number of isolated, elderly, disabled and socially deprived people living in the Dursley and Cam areas. It has the advantage of also providing health benefits for the volunteers by providing the opportunity for increased physical exercise.

Dr Hendrik Chapel, Director of Public Health for the Cotswold and Vale PCT, explained:

"Having a well kept garden in itself reduces the risk of crime, by making houses less obvious targets to criminals. It will also contribute to the occupier's sense of wellbeing, promote independence, reduce falls, provide social contact and promote mental health. Similar benefits will be felt by the volunteers. In addition, food production will be encouraged, where appropriate, leading to possible improvements in nutrition both for residents and volunteers."

This scheme has been developed as part of the Stroud Locality Planning Team's (LPT) Health Improvement Plan (HIMP) for the local community. The LPT has a membership drawn from health, social services, voluntary service and the district council. The HIMP Steering Group, working as a sub group of the Stroud Locality Planning Team, will be responsible for the scheme. Funding for Barbara's post for one year has been gained from Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust plus contributions from Stroud District Council and Age Concern.

Chief Inspector Mark Organ said:
"The Police warmly welcome this initiative. It is known that distraction burglars and other criminals prey on the vulnerable. An initiative which removes any of the signs of vulnerability, including untidy gardens, has got to be commended"

Local MP David Drew will officially launch the scheme at the Community Shop in Dursley on Friday 6 December at 10.30 a.m.

For further information, please contact:
Cllr Chas Fellows, Cabinet Member for Community Strategies, Ebley Mill, Stroud Glos GL5 4UB Tel: 01453 766321 Cllr.Chas.Fellows@stroud.gov.uk
Dilys Warren, L P T Project Officer, Stroud Locality Planning Team, Ebley Mill, Stroud, Glos GL5 4UB Tel: 01453 754177 Fax 01453 754966 email: dilys.warren@stroud.gov.uk

Or Becky Jarvis, Communications and Involvement Manager, Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust (Mob: 07815 858319) email becky.Jarvis@cotsvalepct.nhs.uk

Cllr Chas Fellows has responsibility for the
Community Strategies portfolio

Cllr Chas Fellows
3 Anthony Court,
Randalls Green,
Chalford Hill,
Stroud, Glos GL6 8NG
01453 731296
Cllr.Chas.Fellows@stroud.gov.uk