good neighbours scheme

Members of icc in partnership with a local charity were involved in operating a Good Neighbour Scheme in the area around Thurleston High School where we meet on Sundays.

The launch of the scheme was covered in the local press under the heading "Everybody Needs Good Neighbours" as follows...

"That is the message from Ipswich-based charity, Suffolk ACRE , which is launching its first urban pilot of its Good Neighbours Scheme in Whitton.

The scheme, which will be the 16th one in the county, sees a group of volunteers come together to provide help for residents in the area. It is set to be officially launched at the Whitton Sports and Community Centre by the Mayor of Ipswich Inga Lockington, on 12th September 2007, at 7.30pm.

Gavin Hodge, Good Neighbour Scheme co-ordinator at Suffolk ACRE, has been working closely with members of Ipswich Community Church to develop the scheme in Whitton. He said: “I am delighted that we have been able to develop this first urban pilot of the Good Neighbour Scheme, and it would not have been possible to bring the scheme about so quickly without the help, support and enthusiasm of the members of the community church ..."

A variety of services are available to any resident of Whitton in need, though principally the elderly and vulnerable. Services include befriending the elderly and the lonely, providing lifts, especially to doctors' surgeries and hospital appointments, minor domestic repairs such as checking smoke alarms and changing light bulbs, and help with filling forms and advocacy. All the services are offered free, with the exception of giving lifts for which the driver is compensated for his/her running costs by the client, usually at 35 pence per mile."           
Original source : Evening Star , 31 August 2007

 

The pilot Scheme ran until the middle of 2009. It was not continued  due to a drop in demand for the services on offer.

© ipswich community church 2008.