Press release

New scheme to support older people in South Northants

Northamptonshire-based social housing provider, South Northants Homes (SNH), in partnership with Supporting People and Northamptonshire County Council, has launched an innovative scheme aimed at supporting older people living in rural areas.

The Village Agent Scheme, which was launched on 9 February, is the first of its kind in Northamptonshire. It will initially consist of one Village Agent, Ann Muxlow, who will provide support and information to people living in rural areas and who may be feeling isolated. Ann will be able to signpost residents to local services and organisations that may have been difficult to access previously.

This scheme is one of only five in the country and a similar scheme was recently highlighted in the national broadcast media, proving the relevance and importance of such a project. Older people living in rural areas are increasingly feeling isolated from their community, so the project aims to reduce this isolation and improve their quality of life.

At the launch, invited guests heard from Kay and Colin Amos, who were the first people to be helped by the Village Agent Scheme. They had struggled to find any kind of help after a spell in hospital, until a friend mentioned the Village Agent. As Kay said: “We had more help from Ann in one hour than from anyone else. It is a wonderful scheme and I hope it takes off”

Jayne Roycroft, SNH Retirement Homes Manager said of the scheme:

“We are really proud to be part of such a worthwhile and important project. This scheme is open to everyone who needs it; however we anticipate it will be particularly useful to the older community, who may struggle to access services currently. This service will be of huge benefit to the South Northamptonshire area.”

Ann will be based at Norton Court, Home Close, Greens Norton, NN12 8AY and residents can contact Ann on 01327 351757 or email villageagent@southnorthantshomes.co.uk

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