Walford is a small and friendly village where people help each other and the residents are lucky that the parish council has set up a special scheme to enable this. The Walford Community Support Scheme has a paid co-ordinator and a team of volunteers who are ready to offer help to anyone who needs it.

Chairman of the parish council, Frank Myers MBE, told the Ross Gazette that the range of needs can be varied. He said it could include a bereaved relative who may be facing loneliness at a difficult time, a family where mum has had to go to hospital or a normally able person who, for some reason, cannot get into town to shop. He said that there are many different reasons where a simple helping hand, or even just a thoughtful intervention, can make a difference.

The scheme has been set up thanks to a grant from the Wellbeing Innovation Fund. Anybody who lives in the parish who feels in need, or is aware of someone in need, can make an approach and seek help.

Leaflets have been placed in public places and cards are being given out so that if you live away from the area but have a relative in Walford the number to call is on hand.

The scheme already has a good team of volunteers but more are always needed. If you would like to help with tasks such as collecting prescriptions, changing library books or minor DIY, or you need help with any of these tasks, call 07493 171 430, 2pm - 5pm, on weekdays or leave a message and a member of the team will call you back.

For more information visit the parish council’s website, www.walford-pc.org.uk/ or email them at [email protected]