WERN says fond farewell to longest serving Village Agent
Lyndsay Newman will leave her role at the end of August, having supported people to remain independent in their homes since 2013
For more than a decade, West of England Rural Network has been operating a much valued Village Agents service that’s been providing people with 1:1 practical help and advice, as well as liaising closely with voluntary groups, parish and town councils, and health providers to join up efforts and make sure the needs of those they are working with are better served.
The first village agent in North Somerset was Lyndsay who has diligently served the patch of Winford, Dundry, Flax Bourton, Barrow Gurney, Blagdon, Butcombe, Burrington, Redhill, Churchill & Langford since the very beginning.
During her time with WERN, she has benefited the lives of many people, from older folk living alone, to those whose health and circumstances have changed such that they need a helping hand.
One such beneficiary was a lady referred to Lyndsay by the local Rotary club who’d recently received a diagnosis of dementia. Having been a very independent person and an active member of the community, the lady didn’t want to over-burden friends and family with the support she’d need. In her capacity as a village agent, Lyndsay made a link with the local Alzheimer’s Society who arranged a Lasting Power of Attorney. Practical support was also providing including marking steps to reduce the risk of falls, arranging food deliveries and lifts to doctors’ appointments, and accompanying the lady to monthly community lunches at the local church.
Another person Lyndsay has supported over many years is a lady with learning difficulties who struggles with confidence issues and depression. Much of the assistance Lyndsay has provided has involved supporting this person with navigating official processes such as form filling, but she has also encouraged their involvement in local activities and events which have been very much enjoyed.
Speaking of her time as a Village Agent, Lyndsay said: “My work has been varied, rewarding, and flexible. These are three words I’d say summarise the role of a village agent. I joined the team in 2013 as a pilot project and have been lucky enough to work in some of the most beautiful parishes in North Somerset.
The job is an interesting mix of meeting people, finding practical solutions and making referrals for a wide range of issues people living in rural communities encounter. It suits a people person with a can-do approach who doesn't get fazed by differing and sometimes unusual requests for assistance. A sense of humour has certainly helped me over the past 11and a half years too!”
Lyndsay’s last day with WERN is 28 August and will be sorely missed by colleagues. Her next chapter involves a move to West Penwith in Cornwall.
Would you like to become a Village Agent? We are currently recruiting for two new posts in North Somerset! Check out the vacancies here