Two Good Neighbour Schemes are launching in June to help improve the quality of life for the more vulnerable and isolated members of the community.

Working in partnership with the Rural Community Council Leicestershire & Rutland (RCC), Blaby District Council has funded two pilot schemes within the district, in Croft and Sharnford.

Sharnford’s scheme will launch at the Sharnford Jubilee Fete at Sharnford Youth & Community Centre on Sunday 14 June from 12-4pm.

Croft’s scheme will launch a week later, at the Croft Parish Council Fun Day on Winston Avenue Playing Fields, on Saturday 20 June from 1-5pm.

The scheme is a community initiative and will be organised and run by local volunteers who support residents with a range of tasks and activities.

This support could be as small as giving someone a lift to the local lunch club, to collect a prescription or something as simple as changing a lightbulb.

Edwina Grant, Chair Sharnford Good Neighbour Scheme said:

“Whilst there is already a strong network of informal help and support between neighbours in the village of Sharnford; this is about strengthening that network. We want to make sure this kind of support is available to all those in the community, who may from time to time need it.”

Councillor David Freer, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships and Corporate Services said:

“The concept of the schemes is simple and comes down to neighbourliness. The schemes will be a real lifeline to vulnerable members of our communities and will help to reduce isolation and loneliness, particularly in our more rural parishes.”

For more information on the two pilot schemes or to find out more about setting one up in a parish within Blaby District, call 0116 272 7566 or e-mail strategic.partnerships@blaby.gov.uk.