The Village Agents pilot in Essex is funded by a partnership between
Essex County Council, the Braintree Local Strategic Partnership and NHS
Mid Essex. The partnership has commissioned Rural Community Council of
Essex (RCCE) as the pilot project delivery partner.
The Village Agents scheme supports many of the Partners priorities in
improving access to health and well-being services and supporting people
to live a better quality of life. This project also builds on the
existing RCCE role in working with rural parishes, businesses, statutory
and 3rd sector agencies to deliver a stronger rural community. The RCCE
will use their local expertise, networks and knowledge to work with
parish councils to inform and develop the project.
This pilot project will be based upon an example of best practice at
Gloucestershire County Council, who has now mainstreamed a similar
service after a two year pilot with great success. Gloucestershire has
28 part-time staff working across over 200 rural parishes, supporting
people over the age of 50.
The primary focus of the Mid Essex pilot project is to provide isolated
or disadvantaged older people in rural communities with easier access to
information and services. However, no other disadvantaged or isolated
people will be excluded from receiving Village Agent assistance.
Village Agents will be responsible for signposting local residents to a
range of services and information sources that are able to provide the
right help, advice and support in effect joining up services for older
people in rural areas and identifying any unmet needs in the local
community.
The pilot project is scheduled to last until 31st March 2011. If it is
successful and attracts further funding, it is hoped that it may be
implemented throughout the County.