Good Neighbours: Who Needs Them?

 …………..anyone and everyone seems to be the answer !

 The majority of the 25 calls for help to the Stansfield Good Neighbour scheme in the first six months of operation came from elderly and/or infirm residents, as might have been expected. But, the spread across age ranges and means was in fact very wide, said Pat Barnes, secretary of the scheme. 

“It is just a matter of circumstance - anyone can need help,” she said. “ We would like to encourage residents to contact us…even if it is just because they would like to share a cuppa and have a chat. We are particularly keen to help young mothers who might feel isolated in our rural community.”

 Volunteers from the scheme have also tackled a number of community tasks, including repairs to the noticeboard, and the very prompt removal of a fallen tree blocking a lane.

Next up are a clean up of the old telephone booth on High Street, which is now serving the village as a book and information exchange, and a look at refurbishment for two village benches. Work is also in progress on the refurbishment of the gates to the old Chapel graveyard, which is now a haven for wildlife and a place of quiet contemplation open to all residents.

 All of this was reported to the Stansfield Good Neighbour scheme AGM held in April. The management committee members all agreed to remain in post for the coming year, and newcomer to the village, Debbie Pugh, agreed to be Chair of the scheme. 

Helpline Number: 07827 128511