Village Agents are local people employed on a part-time basis to become trusted members of their communities and a valuable resource. They network extensively with Parish Councillors, Police Community Support Officers, social group organisers, transport providers, church groups, youth workers and others within their community. They receive ‘referrals’ from agencies and members of the community about people needing information or support.
Village Agents make home visits when necessary and provide high-quality information. They enable direct access to a wide range of services and use a secure electronic referral system. They may informally carry out a series of practical checks related to safety in the home (e.g. smoke alarms, falls prevention), benefit entitlement and energy efficiency. Visits are followed up when necessary by experts who will provide specialist information, advice and services, e.g. the fire service and social care. Village Agents identify unmet needs within their community and respond by initiating and supporting new social and healthy activities.
Objectives
To build a trusted relationship within a community particularly with those who are vulnerable to help improve their quality of life by helping them to feel more secure, more cared for and more informed and empowered.
To help people to have easy access to a wide range of information that will enable them to make informed decisions about their own well-being.
To identify gaps in service and feedback this information in order to influence future service provision.
- To support a community to respond to an identified need where appropriate.
Who is it For?
People in rural areas of North Somerset.
Where is it Available?
Local service covering: Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, Mendip, North Somerset, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Taunton Deane, West Somerset (Somerset). Rural areas only.
How Do I Contact Them?
Visit the Village Agents website here
Call: 01275 888 803
