I AM sure that many of you are already aware that across Wiltshire, there is a network of 25 Good Neighbour Coordinators, or GNCs as they are sometimes referred to, who can provide a range of information about statutory, voluntary and commercial services to help older people in rural communities live safe and independent lives.

A GNC will visit a client in their home and listen to what they say about their needs, the GNC can then identify which organisations or services are best suited to deal with the person’s situation.

They will then refer or support the person to access those services.

Last year, the Good Neighbour Service supported 1,483 vulnerable older people in rural communities in Wiltshire.

We know some great work already happens between GNCs and community transport groups, for example, the Three Villages Minibus takes older people to a lunch club set up by the local GNC.

So, if you are not already aware of the GNC in your area, call 01380 732828, email wgn@community first.org.uk or visit the website wiltsgn.org.uk.

Covering Amesbury and surrounding parishes is Janet Tidd, who can be contacted on 07743 730768 or at amesburygnc@communityfirst.org.

Mere and surrounding parishes: Emma Curtis, 07557 922026 or Ann Marie Dean, 07557 922023 or email meregnc@communityfirst.org.uk.

Southern Wiltshire: Nicola Wilson, 07557 110415 or southern wiltshiregnc@communityfirst.org. uk.

Tidworth: Graham Wright, 07757 110415 or tidworthgnc@communityfirst.org.uk.

Tisbury: Anne Marie Dean, 07557 922023 or tisburygnc@communityfirst.org.uk.

Wilton: Valerie O’Keefe, 07557 922034 or wiltongnc@communityfirst.org.uk.

JENNIFER STATON, Community transport support officer