The Village Agent Programme

aims to increase and improve the ways older people find and benefit from information in rural areas.

Research and discussions with older people in rural Hampshire have shown that most older people would prefer to get information about services face-to-face from a local, trusted contact, rather than attempting to find this information via the internet or making multiple phone calls.  As a result of this feedback from older people, and in an attempt to provide better support and access to vital information for older people in rural areas, the Village Agent Programme has been launched.

Village Agents will bridge the gap between the communities in which they are based and the voluntary and statutory organisations offering services for older people.  They will be drawn from the local village population and will often be aware of the events and activities within their community. As well trained volunteers, the Village Agents will provide high quality information and will put older people in direct contact with agencies and organisations that are able to offer help and advice. The Age Concern Hampshire Information & Advice Service who can provide a wealth of information and information on activities and services for older people will support the Village Agents. It is hoped by providing access to the right information at the right time Village Agents will allow older people to live independently in their homes and communities.  

The Village Agent Programme  is a partnership between HCC Older People’s Well-Being Team, Age Concern Hampshire, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and several District and Borough Councils.

If you are interested in becoming a Village Agent see our volunteering page

or

For more information about the Village Agent pilot project please contact the Co-ordinator on our freephone number 0800 328 7154 or email villageagent@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk