La Baguette

by Jeff Hathaway

THE Community Support Group's main aim is to help people maintain their independence in their own home by helping with shopping, transportation, filling out forms, odd-jobbing around the house and various other tasks of any reasonable nature that they are unable to do for themselves.

Constable Pallett told La Baguette: "It has been a successful year for the group but as always such groups rely heavily on willing volunteers - especially over the Christmas and New Year season."

Co-ordination of the group originates at the Parish Hall. Jenny Anfray usually oversees the work and arranges assignments with group members. Jenny told La Baguette: "The Group can offer support and advice in many ways for varying circumstances, from assisting with completion of forms, dealing with correspondence, budgeting, accessing community facilities, helping with transport and generally just being a friendly face to have a chat with. We are here to help."

All help is voluntary but where possible people are encouraged to contribute towards the cost of petrol.

"Our helpers are all CRB checked and are advised to contact their insurance companies if they are using their own transport. A signed consent form is obtained from all who require help to safeguard voluntary workers," she said.

"Whilst many of the parishioners may be known to the volunteers, when visiting someone for the first time two people will usually attend." Jenny added.

If you, or your neighbour or a family member would benefit from the service or you wish to volunteer your time as a helper, please contact: Jenny Anfray at the Parish Hall on 741141 or email j.anfrey@posb.gov.je