This is an appeal for funding for a locally based community support person – a Roseland Village Agent. In a nutshell this is a person whose job it is to help you at a time of need – whatever your age, whether you live alone or in a family – whatever your financial status – only qualification is that you are based here in the Roseland.

Some (but not all) of the things this person will do -      Identify available government grants or payments that are your entitlements;  Get the right supply chains to your own door; Help with urgent needs like pet-sitting or fuel supplies; Deal with bookings for medical issues and travel;Get alterations done to your home to make it safer . Put you in touch with the right people whether for a chat or for a job that needs doing!

Here is why we think we need this post : What would you do if you needed a little bit of help? Something happens that stops you getting on with your own life and if you are elderly specifically being able to stay in your own home – do you have enough friends locally who would help out or are you like most of us not wanting to be a bother to anyone? Maybe you hate the idea of being seen to be needing any sort of help or charity? But do you know what Cornwall Council or other schemes or grants or resources are available to help you and more importantly how to access them? Have you ever waited weeks for a government funded helping organisation to turn up? Or waited for a medical service booked by the Surgery on your behalf such as occupational therapy that doesn’t materialize? Would you know whom to chase to get something moving? Would you want to – or would you find it easier to be able to contact a local person whose job it was to do just that and ask them to do it on your behalf?

We reckon that there is a need within the Roseland to have just that sort of person – a salaried individual who will get things moving for you on a number of different fronts. For example, ensuring that you have access to all available government grants or payments, or finding the right person to talk with to help you get the alterations to your home that would make it safer to live in, or just getting a delivery of the right supplies to your door. It is beyond dispute that both our NHS and our Council are creaking and struggling with coping in these difficult financial times. Our Doctors are working flat out to meet our health needs but do not have sufficient time to follow up some of the issues in the example above. Yes there are some fantastic informal networks of friends and neighbours who will lend a hand but given that around a third of our properties here are second homes, it isn’t quite the extensive coverage of the past. Just look at the number of homes without lights and you will understand what we mean – if you live next to a largely empty house, there is no-one to see that things are not quite right next door..

But what if there was a local emergency person who would respond? Not just in the immediate crisis but more importantly someone who would follow things up – help you get home if you get taken to Hospital, help you get some food in, help you get your cat or dog looked after, find the grants to modify your house etc etc The RSPG is seeking funding to support such a locally based person who would provide support that is not seen as a favour from a friend but as a right, that is provided in a very quick and timely manner and specifically for you. So would you be able to help with the funding? Every pound that is donated will be used to support this project – there are no administration fees. We reckon we need £20,000 a year to cover the costs of employing someone and giving them the equipment they will need to get going.

You can donate either directly via the Surgeries in an envelope marked RSPG Appeal, or pay in at Barclays St Mawes a/c 63179419 or use our Crowdfunding page https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/roselandvillageagent?utm_id=2&utm_term=QxwvM4PjB