Help the Aged has been awarded £175,000 by the ODPM to run the warden schemes as pilot projects in three regions - Hull (East Yorkshire), Walsall (West Midlands) and Boscombe (Dorset).
The new warden service provides reassurance for older residents, reducing isolation and the fear of crime. They are providing alarm services, organising community events and other support for vulnerable older people. Minister in the ODPM, Baroness Andrews said:
“This is a splendid scheme. By working jointly with Help the Aged we can help some of the most disadvantaged in society feel less isolated and feel part of their communities.
“The new wardens are providing a reassuring presence to older vulnerable members of the community through home visits, patrols and community activities.
“As well as distributing personal alarms, the wardens are also on hand to direct people to any services that they may need, including those which Help the Aged can provide.
“Where home improvements are needed or problems reported the wardens engage the appropriate local services to make sure older residents have the best quality of life possible. This scheme offers personal and practical help which will make a real difference to older people.”
The new wardens’ work ties in with the Government’s Cleaner, Safer, Greener agenda, and includes:
- Visiting vulnerable older people;
- Offering 'HandyVan', a home security and safety service with a trained fitter who calls at the home of an older person, by appointment only, to carry out a free home security check.
- A range of security devices, such as door and window locks, are then installed free of charge;
- Liaising with relevant agencies on the removal of graffiti, litter, etc;
- Providing a reassuring presence for older people;
- Provide ‘SeniorLink’, a 24-hour immediate telephone response service, and other personal alarms for older residents who may be vulnerable.
Help the Aged and ODPM believe the programme will improve the quality of life for vulnerable older people in their communities. Sean Moran, Director of Community Services at Help the Aged, said:
“We are delighted to be piloting this innovative programme. We hope wardens will be a champion of older people in their communities. These pilots will raise the profile of older people and increase their social contact to reduce any feelings of isolation they may have.
“The pilots also aim to reduce the fear of crime and support those who may have been a victim of crime through high visibility patrols and strengthened links with local groups.”
Baroness Andrews is also meeting Junior Wardens working in Hull. This year the scheme has enrolled more than 300 young people aged 13 to19 who work closely with local schools providing help with activities, including art and sport. The Junior Warden programme is designed to promote good citizenship and introduce young people to different and diverse sectors of society.
Nationally, Neighbourhood Wardens work within the community, acting as a bridge between disaffected and socially isolated sections of the community who would otherwise not be able to access services provided by local agencies there to help.
Wardens’ semi-official uniformed presence provides both reassurance and a recognisable point of contact, promoting and assisting community safety, peace of mind, and environmental improvement. The pilot schemes formally launched today will build upon this, but provide a tailored service specifically for the needs of older people.
The Hull warden scheme is managed by the Goodwin Development Trust (GDT). John Marshall, Head of Community Services at GDT, said:
"I am delighted that the ODPM have recognised the potential of this valuable partnership with Help the Aged. In my opinion, the most important work the wardens conduct is with younger and older people who often need the most support.
"The Hull Community Warden Service provides both reassurance and a friendly ear for older people in an effort to create a good neighbour relationship which is always valued. Older people often only need a little support from wardens to enable them to keep their much valued independence."
