Essex County Council has agreed funding for an innovative new service that aims to make it easier for the elderly to live independently and safely in their own homes.

Through a network of specially trained agents and volunteers, the Community Agents Essex service will work with older people and their carers to identify their care needs, access community-based help and build their confidence enabling them to carry on managing their own lives.

The service, which is expected to support 6,000 people a year, will be delivered through a dynamic new voluntary sector partnership comprised of the Rural Community Council of Essex, who will lead the project, the British Red Cross, Age UK Essex and Neighbourhood Watch Essex.

The Community Agents approach is based on national best practice and builds on successful elements of the Village Agents service. Funding for Village Agents is due to end in March 2014 but will be extended to end of June, during which time the existing Village Agents will be retrained and transferred to the Community Agents service to ensure continuity of support in the mid-Essex area.

If you feel you could be a Community Agent please visit our Job opportunities page.