A Link Good Neighbour Scheme for ASHTON KEYNES
THE LINK PROJECT Developing and supporting Link Good Neighbour Schemes in Wiltshire and Swindon
What is a Link Good Neighbour Scheme? A Link Scheme is a local group of volunteers providing good neighbour support to those in need in their communities
WILTSHIRE LINK SCHEMES 44 LINK SCHEMES OPERATED ENTIRELY BY VOLUNTEERS COVERING 98% OF RURAL WILTSHIRE 1500 VOLUNTEERS HELPING 900 PEOPLE A WEEK
WILTSHIRE LINK SCHEMES CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO WILTSHIRE COMMUNITIES
Link Schemes Draw on good will already existing To meet the needs of individual clients Using skills of local volunteers
Link Schemes Aims To be individual and independent To complement other services
What can Link Schemes offer? Transport Medical appointments Hospital visiting Dentist Hairdresser Shopping
What can Link Schemes offer? Practical Help Collecting shopping and prescriptions Small jobs in the home and garden Dog walking Caring Befriending Reading Taking someone for a walk
WILTSHIRE LINK SCHEMES DONATION SYSTEM – Clients are asked to make a donation for the service they receive The Link Co-ordinator will explain this when the booking is confirmed Volunteers are supplied with envelopes which they hand to the client
How is a Link Scheme run? A Link Co-ordinator operates the Link telephone and answer phone from home Takes details of request If appropriate, finds volunteer
LINK CO-ORDINATORS Link schemes have dedicated phone lines to ensure the Co-ordinators privacy Most Link Schemes have a small team of Co-ordinators who operate a rota Some schemes now use a mobile phone There is a computer booking programme Each scheme decides the hours of availability and there is an answer phone to take messages
Link Schemes are Community led Management Committee Link Co-ordinator Volunteers Users
Link Steering Committee Recruits Co-ordinators and volunteers Carries out CRB checks Installs telephone Arranges publicity Provides insurance Applies for grants
Link Schemes are funded by Grants from Wiltshire NHS Wiltshire Council Donations from those using the service
The Next Steps Set Up Steering Committee Recruit Co-ordinator and Volunteers Full ongoing support of Link Project staff Link Scheme operational in 6 months time