Coronavirus: Street ambassador scheme launched by Mansfield councillor to keep elderly and vulnerable safe

Councillor June Stendall has launched a ‘street ambassadors’ scheme helping people in difficulty or having to self-isolate due to the Goverment’s Covid 19 restrictions.

She is appealing for volunteers to help people on their own streets, in the Grange Farm ward area, where they are likely to be known and recognised.

The idea aims to counteract some of the community help initiatives being promoted on social media which she fears could leave the elderly and vulnerable at risk.

Cllr Stendall, with husband Roger, is co-ordinating a scheme in which she is able to vet helpers against the electoral register and promotes volunteer safety.

Cllr Stendall’s phone number has been given out across the ward so she can triage needs. Complex needs might be signposted to council services whilst others, such as shopping, dog walking or picking up prescriptions, might be allocated to street ambassadors.

Councillor Stendall keenly point outs: “We will not be door knocking – and urge people to contact me first. We’ll send a legitimate person, and I will tell them who and when, so no elderly or vulnerable person should have to open their door to a stranger.”

“I want to thank residents who have come forward to be street ambassadors, the response has been absolutely overwhelming. We’d still like more help though, in case any of our ambassadors have to self isolate.”

Councillor Stendall is also encouraging people to think before liking or supporting schemes on social media.

She said: “One idea suggests the elderly people put a red or green card in the window if they need help or are OK.

“That would flag up where a vulnerable person lives to unscrupulous people who could claim to be a helper and take advantage of the person such as take for money shopping and never come back.

“I want to get across the message – please think twice before promoting or liking these schemes. With my scheme at least there is some accountability.”

For Grange Farm ward (only) help contact Cllr Stendall: 01623 622347 or 07831 781 209.