Spalding Good Neighbour Scheme idea to be put to the public

People in Spalding are to be asked for their views on setting up a Good Neighbour Scheme (GNS) in the town.

Survey forms are to be sent out in the coming days about running a volunteer-led group in the town to help elderly, isolated and vulnerable people with tasks, such as collecting prescriptions, shopping, lifts to GP/hospital appointments and gardening.

The survey is to be run in conjunction with Community Lincs, part of YMCA Lincolnshire, an independent charity working to sustain and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Val Gemmell, of the Welland Senior Forum and a member of the Spalding GNS working group, said: "There are currently ten GNS schemes across the county and a further 15 schemes that are in the development stage, many of which are converting from COVID-19 support groups.

" A working group has been established , supported by a number of organisations and individuals, including county and district councillor Angela Newton, district councillor Jack McLean, Katy Gale of Lincolnshire Community Voluntary Service, South Holland District Council's Communities Team and Michael Morris of Tonic Health.

"We are distributing a residents’ survey to establish the demand for a GNS and to provide us with an indication of how many people are willing to volunteer to support the local community.

"It will also ensure that our scheme meets the needs of our community."

To complete the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/gnsforspalding and for more information about the proposed scheme, email the GNS Team at gns@lincsymca.co.uk