"We could do with more like them to help everyone" Leighton-Linslade Community Agent service rated excellent in new report
Users of the Leighton-Linslade Community Agents service have rated it as excellent and would recommend it to a friend or neighbour.
Many said they felt more supported and/or connected to the community and felt it had helped them make more informed choices and decisions.
The findings have been collated for a half yearly report being presented to Leighton Linslade Town Council's 55Up sub committee on November 13.
The Community Agent scheme is a partnership between Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and the town council, which is funding the scheme as part of its 55UP project.
The service's agents Caroline Whitelegge and Bex McBrearty, who joined in April, provide much needed support to older people who may be feeling isolated or need a helping hand to access local services, social groups, or apply for benefits.
Demand for the service is growing with 59 new enquiries made during the half year, (57 during the same period in 2024).
Of these 36 have become clients and received/are receiving more detailed 1 to 1 support, while 23 were signposted to other services or their issues were resolved without requiring a full referral to the Community Agent service.
Most of the agents’ workload continues to be advising clients on eligibility for benefits, supporting with applications for benefits, including Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Blue Badges. Also vital is accessing support for people in their homes to help them remain independent with carer support, and helping clients who feel isolated to find groups/activities to socialise.
The report itemised service benefits including:
> 56 home visits made, a significant increase on 37 visits during the first half of last year, due to having Bex on board as well as more complex cases requiring several home visits.
> 6 clients were seen in community locations including the White House, with a small number helped over the phone or via email.
> Two thirds of client enquiries are from referrals via formal pathways, eg health professionals, or self-referrals where people have heard of the service through word-of-mouth or publicity.
> Events attended/groups visited/met with include: Jazz Up Your Life, Picture House crafting group, Chatty Cafés at Pages Park and TACTIC, Forest Bathing Group walk at Rushmere Park, MIND Peer Support Group, Stroke Association, Men in Sheds, Music 24, Citizens Advice Leighton-Linslade AGM, You Can Do IT digital support group at Marigold House, coffee morning group at Marigold House, and Leighton Rose Care Home.
Meanwhile, praise for the pair from service users included: “I didn't know I could claim for any help. As we get older, we don't like to ask for help but she put me at ease,” while another said: “We could do with more like them to help everyone as forms can be so confusing.”
Users described the service as “Friendly, approachable and professional.”
Caroline and Bex can provide support face-to-face, over the telephone or via email. If you or someone you know needs support, call 07498 625 526 (Caroline) or 07392 722 296 (Bex), or email: [email protected].