Village Agents – Enabling Independent Living and Social Inclusion
The Village Agents Service operates across the Mid Essex area to provide free
independent information about local services, clubs and groups and a link to the best
support.
The service is available through a personal introduction from another organisation or
through direct contact with the local Village Agents. One way or another individual
must give their consent before we will contact them. Alternatively people can obtain
more information about the service or arrange a visit from the local agent by calling
01376 574341 or free on 08009 775858. If you call this number you will need to
provide your name, telephone number and the village or town that you live in.
What happens if you agree to a visit from a Village Agent?
If you request a visit the local Village Agent will call you to arrange a suitable
time to meet. This will usually be within 2 working days.
The agent will visit you at home or meet with you at an agreed location.
Your conversation will be completely confidential. The agents are CRB
checked and receive regular training to ensure that information is up to date.
The agent will provide you with relevant information or assist you to fill in forms.
Where necessary the agent will ask another organisation to contact you to
provide specialist advice or support. We will not do this without your consent.
The agent can introduce you to local groups/clubs, leisure or learning
opportunities. Depending upon your circumstance the agent may be willing to
come with you for the first time.
What happens after the meeting?
Subject to your consent the agent will record some personal details which we
will only share with organisations that can provide the specialist advice or
support that you need. You will be left with a copy of these details.
If you require specialist advice or support the relevant organisation will contact
you to discuss your requirements or to arrange a visit. Subject to your
circumstances the Village Agents may be willing to be present.
You will be left with details of how to contact the agent should you need further
support or information. While the agents work flexible hours we are not
available 24 hours a day. Where possible, calls should be made during the
working day (9am to 5pm Mon to Fri). Our phones may also be busy so please
leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.
We can help with:
 Home adaptations and equipment to make your life easier and safer
 Home security, fire safety checks and smoke alarm fitting
 Housing needs and getting jobs done around the home and garden
 Healthy living advice and activities to help you keep fit, lose weight or stop
smoking.
 Making sure you are receiving the correct entitlement to benefits or pension
 Information about all forms of travel and access to community transport
 Support opportunities for you, your family or carers
 Becoming a volunteer to help others
 Access to local social groups, leisure activities and learning opportunities
 And much more!
Our aim is to:
 Keep people safe and healthy
 Increase social interaction and inclusion
 Help anyone in need, particularly the elderly and families
 Compliment not duplicate existing services
 Reduce confusion and inform best service choice
For more information or to arrange a meeting with an agent please call us on
01376 574341 or free on 0800 9775858 or visit www.villageagentsessex.org.uk
Village Agents are employed by:
Rural Community Council of Essex
Registered Charity No. 1097009
Company Limited by Guarantee No. 4609624