1. A Link Good Neighbour Scheme for ASHTON KEYNES

2. THE LINK PROJECT Developing and supporting Link Good Neighbour Schemes in Wiltshire and Swindon

3. 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

4. WILTSHIRE LINK SCHEMES 44 LINK SCHEMES OPERATED ENTIRELY BY VOLUNTEERS COVERING 98% OF RURAL WILTSHIRE 1500 VOLUNTEERS HELPING 900 PEOPLE A WEEK

5. WILTSHIRE LINK SCHEMES CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO WILTSHIRE COMMUNITIES

6. Link Schemes Draw on good will already existing To meet the needs of individual clients Using skills of local volunteers

7. Link Schemes Aims To be individual and independent To complement other services

8. What can Link Schemes offer? Transport Medical appointments Hospital visiting Dentist Hairdresser Shopping

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Link Schemes are Community led Management Committee Link Co-ordinator Volunteers Users

14. Link Steering Committee Recruits Co-ordinators and volunteers Carries out CRB checks Installs telephone Arranges publicity Provides insurance Applies for grants

15. Link Schemes are funded by Grants from Wiltshire NHS Wiltshire Council Donations from those using the service

16. 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