January has proven to be very challenging for many organisations trying to keep services going. One organisation that managed to keep going and even provided a little extra help was Sheffield Homes and their Wardens service.
During the bad weather Sheffield Homes Wardens operating in Heeley and Arbourthorne made sure they squeezed in extra visits to make sure vulnerable and elderly tenants were safe and well. Due to the icy conditions some residents weren’t able to get out and about to make some basic errands such as picking up basic groceries and prescriptions.
Sheffield Homes through their website also provided some helpful tips for how to be a good neighbour during the adverse conditions. This included advice around:
- Checking on elderly or disabled neighbours, or those with young children
- Offering to pick up groceries or prescriptions for neighbours if residents are already making a visit to the shops
- Putting neighbours’ bins out for them and help to clear drives and footpaths
- Encouraging people to use their heating to make sure they keep warm
Sharon Ward, Senior Neighbourhood Warden, said, “We started this initiative by putting together a list of all our tenants within the neighbourhoods who were listed as elderly or having a vulnerability need.
We gave everyone a call and we were pleased to hear that many had good friends, neighbours and relatives who were helping them out. However, some people did need extra support and overall we made 18 extra visits to collect shopping provisions, prescriptions, medication and pensions within the Heeley and Arbourthorne area.”
Pat Ellis, a member Tillotson Tenants and Residents Association added, “I think the service they provided was the best thing since sliced bread! It proved to be a tremendous help to all the old and infirm people.”
To find out more about Sheffield Homes or how to be a good neighbour please visit www.sheffieldhomes.org.uk
IT'S HAPPENING IN HEELEY! 
Posted on March 1, 2010 by bocaj017
0