In March and April Cllr Alison Foster arranged for local charities to come and meet vulnerable and elderly people in the Harrold Ward parishes.  The aim of the meetings was for the charity representatives to speak to these residents about how they can benefit from the services they offer.  The charities represented were as follows:

• Age UK Bedfordshire which provides advice to the over 50s on benefits, housing, consumer issues and health matters.  It also offers home help, handyperson, gardening and accompanied outings services and companion visits.  Age UK Bedfordshire can be contacted by calling 01234 360510 or by visiting http://www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire/.
• Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) which offers advice and a range of services particularly through its Village Agent scheme.  Village Agents can visit residents at home to discuss and offer help on issues such as pensions, housing, transport and support for carers.  It is free to call the BRCC and the number is 01234 838771.  Alternatively, the website address is http://voluntaryworks.org/brcc/about-brcc.
• The Bobby Scheme which is a free service affiliated to Bedfordshire Police offering advice to elderly and vulnerable people on improving home security and safety, crime prevention and road safety.  Visits by trained ‘Bobbymen’ can be arranged who will offer their carpentry and locksmith skills.  You can call the Bobby Scheme on 01234 842612 or 01234 842619.

If you or a friend, relative or neighbour would benefit from any of these service please do not hesitate to get in touch with the charities.  You can also call Cllr Foster on 07773371190 as she would be very pleased to advise you.