THE Crediton police team have congratulated the industrious group of volunteers who have set up the Newton St Cyres Neighbourhood Health Watch community scheme.

Since September this year, nearly 40 members of the local community have dedicated themselves to getting the scheme off the ground.

PC Keith Bradshaw and PCSO Lisa Crocker have worked closely with the group to help support its work.

They have attended regular meetings, liaising closely with the local community and its volunteers to help ensure a smooth launch.

Neighbourhood Health Watch brings together local people to offer support and share experiences around every day and health issues, as well as raising awareness of the resources available to them.

Members offer help like shopping for someone who has just come out of hospital, passing on helpful information about a health service they have used, or even looking after a pet when someone is ill.

Sergeant Dave McFadden, who leads the local police team, explained: "The timing and setting up of this valuable community service could not have been better.

"The Christmas and New Year period can be a difficult and challenging time for some people, especially those who are vulnerable or alone.

"The community Neighbourhood Health Watch scheme allows people to contact other residents in their time of need to help make their lives easier.

"It is a fantastic idea and, in many ways, goes back to the good old days of communities looking out for one another and working closely with the emergency services to support each other."

Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Taylor, who is a member of the strategic steering group, met with local volunteers on December 18 to give her support.

She said: "Well done to the people of Newton St Cyres who have dedicated their time and effort into getting this scheme off the ground.

"It is already proving effective in bringing members of the local community together to support one another and help keep Newton St Cyres a healthy and safe place in which to live."

Dr Peter Aitken, a Director of the RD&E Hospital, Exeter and Project Director for Neighbourhood Health Watch at Devon Partnership NHS Trust, added: "Neighbourhood Health Watch is all about helping communities support each other's health and well-being needs and I congratulate the people of Newton St Cyres for showing how successful such a scheme can be."

The official launch of the community Neighbourhood Health Watch scheme will take place at 10.30am tomorrow, Saturday, December 22 at The Crown and Sceptre public house, Newton St Cyres. It will be attended by a small group of volunteers headed by landlord, Simon Lovell, who is the scheme co-ordinator at Newton St Cyres.

Anyone is welcome to attend and find out more about the scheme.

Every household in Newton St Cyres has received a keepsake postcard about the Newton St Cyres Community Support Group and local residents who wish to contact the local co-ordinator, Simon, can do so by telephone on 01392 851278.

An exciting additional initiative is the installation of a computer and printer for community use at the Crown and Sceptre.

alan-quick@crediton

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