A NEW community project has been launched to offer a lifeline to anyone struggling to cope.
Whether you’re in a crisis or simply feeling lonely, Knutsford Together aims to put you in touch with people who can help.
By training residents to steer people in the right direction, this innovative charity is confident it can connect people to statutory services and community and voluntary organisations best able to solve their problems.
Specialist staff will provide personal face-to-face advice and act as an advocate, accompanying people to appointments and speaking on their behalf.
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A pilot scheme in Cheshire West has already changed the lives of many people in despair.
A terrified mum, facing eviction after being abandoned by her partner, feared her newborn baby would be taken into care and she would have to live on the streets.
A new home was found for her to live safely with her child.
A distraught woman, whose husband has Alzheimer’s and was refused disability allowance for five years, has received £27,000 in back pay.
His application had been turned down because she couldn’t fill in a 30-page online application form.
A stroke survivor who is almost blind and had suicidal thoughts, has made new friends through community groups.
Speaking at the project’s launch, Nigel Griffiths, 59, said: “I was in a dark place but now I’m never at home.
“I’ve lost four and a half stone and booked to go to Blackpool for Christmas.
“This has totally transformed my life.”
David Briggs, former Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, founded the charity after listening to people living in poverty talk about the problems they faced trying to seek help.
David said: “The Welfare State is made up of many different organisations.
“The problem is there is currently no system to make sure people get to the right organisations which can help them.
“We want to ensure that someone sits down and spends time with people to really understand and prioritise their issues.”
The new charity is modelled on The Compassion Project in Frome in Somerset, which has reduced emergency hospital admissions by almost half.
Dr Paddy Kearns, from Knutsford Medical Partnership, one of the new charity’s trustees, said 40 per cent of patients come to their surgeries with non-medical issues.
It is hoped that more GP appointments will become available as people are given the correct help and support they need or put in touch with community groups to develop new hobbies and interests.
A weekly talking café will be available for people to chat and make new friends.
“I am really excited and passionate about this,” said David. “I want Knutsford to become a compassionate town.”
Knutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton, who has signed up to be a local connector, said: ”Knutsford is perceived as an affluent town but there are significant areas of deprivation.
“In Longridge, over 40 per cent of residents are on benefits.
“During the pandemic, we recruited 3,000 volunteers for We Are Knutsford.
“I’m hugely confident this will be a success.
Residents are invited to volunteer as local connectors and simply have to complete a one-hour training session.
A user-friendly online directory of community services and resources, plus details of how to seek help, is now available at Knutsford together.org.uk
To volunteer or find our more information call 07778 709198 or email help@knutsfordtogether.org.uk
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