Crediton Health Watch scheme wins police praise
The Crediton police team have congratulated the industrious group of volunteers who have set up the Newton-St-Cyres Neighbourhood Health Watch community scheme.
Since September this year, nearly 40 members of the local community have dedicated themselves to getting the scheme off the ground.
PC Keith Bradshaw and PCSO Lisa Crocker have worked closely with the group to help support its work. They have attended regular meetings, liaising closely with the local community and its volunteers to help ensure a smooth launch.
Neighbourhood Health Watch brings together local people to offer support and share experiences around everyday and health issues, as well as raising awareness of the resources available to them. Members offer help like shopping for someone who has just come out of hospital, passing on helpful information about a health service they've used, or even looking after a pet when someone is ill.
Sergeant Macfadden, who leads the local police team, said: “The timing and setting up of this valuable community service couldn’t have been better. The Christmas and New Year period can be a difficult and challenging time for some people, especially those who are vulnerable or alone.
The community Neighbourhood Health Watch scheme allows people to contact other residents in their time of need to help make their lives easier. It is a fantastic idea and, in many ways, goes back to the good old days of communities looking out for one other and working closely with the emergency services to support each other."
Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Taylor, who is a member of the strategic steering group, met with local volunteers on 18 December to give her support. She said: “Well done to the people of Newton-St-Cyres who have dedicated their time and effort into getting this scheme off the ground. It is already proving effective in bringing members of the local community together to support one another and help keep Newton-St-Cyres a healthy and safe place to live."
Dr Peter Aitken, Director of R&D and Project Director for Neighbourhood Health Watch at Devon Partnership NHS Trust, adds "Neighbourhood Health Watch is all about helping communities support each other's health and wellbeing needs and I congratulate the people of Newton St Cyres for showing how successful such a scheme can be."The official launch of the community Neighbourhood Health Watch scheme will take place at 10:30 on Saturday 22 December at The Crown and Sceptre Public House, Newton St Cyres. It will be attended by a small group of volunteers headed by Simon Lovell.
Anyone is welcome to attend and find out more about the scheme. You can also visit the website atwww.neighbourhoodhealthwatch.org.uk
Pictured from left to right
PC Keith Bradshaw, David Baker, chairman of Newton St Cyres Parish Council; Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Taylor; Simon Lovell, scheme co-ordinator and landlord of The Crown and Sceptre, Newton St Cyres; Heidi Howarth, designer of the scheme’s community support postcards PCSO Lisa Crocker.
