New Neighbourhood Co-ordinator - coming soon

Funding for a new role to provide support for all Girton residents over the age of 18 has just been approved by the Trustees of Girton Town Charity – expanding the number of people who can benefit.

For the last 15 years, GTC has fully funded an Older Residents Co-ordinator and Village Warden, partnering with Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (Age UK C&P) to deliver a broad range of services.

Wider age group
Recently GTC Trustees carried out a review to focus on the current need for support which could help increase independence and reduce isolation and made the decision to widen it beyond older residents to anyone over the age of 18.

As a result a new Neighbourhood Co-ordinator will be appointed, again in conjunction with Age UK C&P, with a remit to deliver help across a range of areas that encourage personal development and resilience, as well as access to relevant information services and community initiatives.

Services and social activities
GTC wanted to build on the support provided over the last decade and a half which has made a real difference to residents’ lives.

With the new Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, the Charity will be able to extend the age group which can benefit and link with complementary services and resources. Whether it’s setting up social activities such as coffee mornings and tea parties with community groups and organisations, promoting wellbeing through fitness groups or helping to fill in forms or deal with complicated paperwork, there will be a designated person to approach for assistance.

The person appointed will be involved in proactive identification of residents who may be isolated or struggling, providing one-to-one support with home visits and telephone calls, as well as liaising with GPs, social prescribers, health professionals, discharge teams and statutory services. Help to access benefits, services and entitlements will also be provided. 

Following appointment, the new Neighbourhood Co-ordinator will receive comprehensive training from Age UK C&P and then spend time getting to know the varied range of clubs, groups and organisations in the Village where they can meet with residents. There will also be drop-in or meeting sessions scheduled at community venues where residents can consult the Co-ordinator.

GTC will continue to update on progress but in the meantime, please do let our office know if you have family or friends who are isolated or need support, or you would like a little extra help yourself with tasks within the Co-ordinator’s remit. Also, if you have ideas on how to welcome our new Neighbourhood Co-ordinator we will be pleased to hear from you.