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24 hour HELP NORTH EDITION
roundtownnews.com
7 - 13 MARCH 2014
by Jack Troughton
VOLUNTEERS OF Jalon Valley HELP have become a fourth emergency service by offering people in distress a round the clock lifeline. Desperate and vulnerable people in the Vall de Pop are turning to the charity’s Helpline in increasing numbers – frequently in desperation as the recession continues to bite in the rural community. The charity’s Annual General Meeting heard on Wednesday how the service was very well received and numbers using the phone line had continued to rise – with the majority of calls for the loan of medical equipment. However, charity Chairman Elaine Horton said many referrals were “increasingly complex” and demanded the involvement of multiple agencies. She revealed: “In this respect 2013 came in like an absolute storm. For example, there were three attempted suicides in as many weeks and that required the involvement of the police, the Guardia Civil, the British Consulate, social services, Denia Hospital and family members living locally.” Elaine said HELP was responding to calls from assistance from an aging population – people who may have fallen at home – and young families Elaine who suddenly found themselves desHorton perate and destitute.
And she said the charity had already held an emergency meeting to discuss how to provide respite care and end of life care. “These frequently involve people on very limited income with a serious illness, with frail and elderly carers, and those with absolute co family support,” she said. ELDERLY “We have increasing numbers of very elderly people, who are looking after very sick elderly people, who need a break and also people who need end of life care.” The meeting was told ongoing discussions with Fontilles Hospital about the charity having a bed at the facility where there was a doctor on call 24 hours a day. “These issues are really difficult ones. There are no easy answers to these situations,” she said, but confirmed money was being put aside to insure HELP was able to respond to these challenges. And Elaine said frequently people did not help themselves by failing to register with the health authority and obtain a SIP card. “Then there is a crisis to deal with and we are running around to try and get them registered – it’s a terrible situation. Continued on page 3