Village Agents
Village Agents is a new project funded by B&NES Council, which Community Action – the Rural Community Council for the West of England - will be running in the parishes of Chew Magna, Chew Stoke, Compton Martin, East Harptree, Nempnett Thrubwell, Norton Malreward, Stanton Drew, Stowey Sutton, Ubley and West Harptree over the next year.
The Village Agent project will bridge the gap left by the lack of local networks for isolated people in rural areas and provide a focal point for help and assistance between people in the community and statutory and/or voluntary organisations. The Village Agents will promote services and identify needs for individuals that are not currently being met.
The Village Agents, who will be recruited locally, will work with Parish Councils and existing local organisations to help identify individuals who could be assisted by this service. They will be able to provide access to information and services through a series of regular surgeries or drop in sessions in Community Buildings across the Chew Valley. The Agents will also be able to make home visits and will be helping to develop a network of contacts to meet the needs of local communities.
They will signpost key services including support for health, transport, finance, police and fire services as well as social networks.
The Village Agent Project is managed by Denise Perrin, who is based at Tunbridge Mill, Chew Magna. Denise can be e-mailed on: denise@community-action.org.uk or telephoned via Community Action’s office: Tel: 01275 333700