Mid Essex | Winter 2011
Easy access to services and information
Village Agents Newsletter As a small dynamic team, with an abundance of information at our fingertips, we believe we are making a positive impact on peoples’ lives. Since we began we have helped over 2,000 people. The agents have become trusted, friendly faces in the heart of the communities we support. The range of services we work with and the knowledge and experience of each agent has increased considerably. We are in constant contact with local organisations and services to ensure we give the most up-to-date advice. It doesn’t matter how complex or simple the situation is, your Village Agent will try to help you. All Village Agents are approved by Essex Fire & Rescue Service to carry out home fire safety checks, and by Essex County Council to assess for Telecare equipment and basic home adaptations such as grab rails, perching stools, commodes and chair risers.
You may know of a neighbour or friend who has benefited from our support and think we may be able to help you. Perhaps we have helped you in the past but your circumstances have now changed. Are you a Carer, providing support to family or friends but you are struggling to cope? Sometimes, life is not as straightforward and enjoyable as it could be! We pride ourselves on confidentiality and awareness of the difficult situations you may be facing. A Village Agent will visit you at home to give free advice and provide a link to any number of services and opportunities to brighten up your day!
For more information or to arrange a meeting with your
0800 9775858 or visit www.villageagentsessex.org.uk local Village Agent please call us free on
Village Agents are employed by: Rural Community Council of Essex Registered Charity No.1097009 Company Limited by Guarantee No. 4609624
Seasonal help from your Village Agent! Portable Appliance Testing: If you are over 65, for a limited period we can organise free safety checks for portable electrical appliances. Now is the time to get those dusty Christmas lights or your electric blanket to be tested to see if they are safe. Energy efficiency: Are you sitting at home wearing 14 jumpers worrying about the next heating bill? Perhaps you should ask us about ways your home could be made warmer and cheaper to heat! There could be grants and schemes to help you. Computer Courses: Do you wish you could email your friends or sit at home and do your Christmas shopping rather that brave the busy car parks and bustling streets? Village Agents are running BBC First Click computer courses at locations around Mid Essex for complete beginners, covering everything from switching on a computer to using the internet.
Digital Switchover: This will be the last Queen’s Speech anyone will see on an analogue TV! The transmitter for London TV viewers in Essex will be switching to digital in April 2012. Ask your Village Agent if you are unsure how to change to digital TV. Help during bad weather: If slippery pavements or severe weather conditions prevent you from getting out but you need some essential supplies or medication, your local Village Agent should be able to make the necessary arrangements. Avoid feeling ill: Make sure you get your free flu jab from your GP if you fall into a relevant category. For more information about who needs a flu jab speak to your Village Agent.
The Village Agents hope that all our clients, past, present and future, keep safe and well this winter. Can you help? You may feel you can help us to support the more isolated people living in your area. If so we welcome volunteers to assist with publicity and simple home deliveries. For more information please call us on 01376 574341