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 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