For more information or if you think there is a need for a scheme in your area Please contact the South Cambridgeshire District Council Partnerships Officer [email protected] to be Mobile and Community signposted. Warden schemes Alternatively, you can contact the Mr Kenneth Moss & Pam Davis (Community Warden) agencies directly: Mrs Pam Davis “ I have been a Community Warden for 24 years and currently visit about 15 people per week. It’s such a worthwhile role, which enables people to Information For Councillors remain independant and reassures them that there is always someone they can ask for help”. Care Network Cambridgeshire This service currently runs in the [email protected] following South Cambridgeshire 01954 211919 villages: Comberton, Cottenham, Great Shelford, Harston, Haslingfield, Melbourn, Meldreth, Milton, The Mordens and Litlington, Stapleford, Teversham, Linton, October 2009 Histon, Impington, Shudy Camps, Castle Camps, Horseheath, Balsham, Age Concern Cambridgeshire West Wickham, Western Colville, West [email protected] 03450 450 500 Wratting. 01354 696677 www.scambs.gov.uk Mobile and Community Warden Mobile Warden Schemes & Bessie Chudy from Haslingfield says of schemes exist in South Cambridgeshire Community Wardens her village scheme, “I came to live here in to serve those facing this situation. 1969 and have seen many changes since Supported by Age Concern and Care For most people, living then, and village amenities develop. I Network, these schemes are organised in our own home hadn’t realised then how pleased I would by village groups to provide regular as we grow older is be now with the Village Warden Scheme, contact for people who want to live something that we with paid staff backed independently. Wardens are paid staff want to continue for as by volunteers…I am who are trained to understand the long as possible. so grateful to all these needs of the people they visit and to We may consider people who give up their find out what other services might be moving into time helping me and accommodation that available to them. Mrs Rita Phillipson others to stay in our suits the stage of our The schemes own homes in this lively life, but ideally we would remain in the help by village”. community we know and that knows us. alerting older However, consideration must be given to people to their At present these schemes receive a what happens when life becomes a bit less entitlements small amount of funding from South manageable, when it is not always so easy and enhancing Mr Kenneth Moss Cambridgeshire District Council. Aside to ‘pop out’ to the shops, the pharmacy or benefit take up. They also play a from this, the schemes are autonomous the post office for those ‘bits and pieces’ necessary role in maintaining older rural and have to raise their own funds in and necessary errands. This can be a residents in their own homes for as order to keep the charges they apply to worry, especially when family, by necessity, long as possible, therefore delaying or a minimum. have to live a long distance away. negating the need for more expensive The schemes are ‘low level’ in terms of Older people living in rural settings such institutionalised health and social care financial cost but far from low level in as South Cambridgeshire are often at risk packages. terms of positive impact on the lives of of social exclusion as they try to continue older users and their families. to live independently in their own homes. And, of course, there is a social benefit to these schemes, as they help combat A lack of accessible transport, an inability Mobile and Community Warden loneliness. One South Cambridgeshire to afford or to drive a car, loss of local schemes are a great way for people resident said of her warden, “Well, she amenities and geographical isolation, in to contribute to their community and brightens up my morning. I wish she combination with the physical limitations provide reassurance to individuals would stay longer but she has to go to that may occur in later life, often lead and their families. But, with an ageing see quite a lot of other people. She just to diminished opportunities for contact population, who knows when those who sits and talks. She’s a nice woman. I’m with relatives and other local community give help will need help themselves? members. lucky to have someone like that calling.” .