Commissioner supports Knutsford Together

Knutsford Together connects local residents to support services in their area, using the power of community to ensure that everyone has access to the help that they need.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, is supporting the project through his Community Action Fund and recently met with the team.

Whether residents are struggling with their health, loneliness, debt or the cost of living, Knutsford Together aims to connect people with the support that they need through both their online directory and their local coordinators. The public can either self-refer or refer someone in need of one-to-one support.

Knutsford Together have also coordinated the Talking Café which offers weekly sessions, every Tuesday, at the Café on the Corner as a place for locals to go and make friends or meet a local coordinator for advice.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said:

“One of the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan is to protect vulnerable and at-risk people and it is great to see Knutsford Together sharing this priority.

“The national lockdowns and the current cost of living crisis have both had an impact on people’s mental and physical health, as well as their financial situations. For residents, knowing that there are services out there ready to help or just someone available to listen to their concerns, will be a huge source of comfort.

“I am proud of the services that are available across Knutsford, and wider Cheshire. There is always support available for those who need it, and with Knutsford Together we will be able to reach even more people.”

Knutsford Together has also launched its Local Connectors campaign which encourages residents to complete a brief training session so that they can signpost someone in need to the appropriate service or refer someone to their Local Coordinators for more specialist, tailored advice.

Nicola Marshall, Chief Officer at Knutsford Together, said:

“Since we launched in November, we have already supported 21 clients, which is amazing. We can see the difference that the charity is making to the people of Knutsford, and we hope to be able to spread this support to even more residents over the coming months. 

“Sometimes we will signpost to an appropriate service and sometimes we will offer support directly. After a recent home visit to a client and gaining an understanding of her circumstances, we were able to signpost the lady to several organisations that she wasn’t aware even existed. 

“We are confident that these services will help her to improve the challenges she faces, and we will continue to check in with her to ensure that she is fully supported for as long as necessary. Another two clients, both socially isolated, have been put in contact and now regularly chat to one another on the phone. This has really lifted their spirits and helped in reducing their feelings of isolation. Knutsford already has a wonderful community, and we hope that through our Local Connectors and Coordinators, we can help to further strengthen that community togetherness.”

For more information on Knutsford Together, visit their website: 

www.knutsfordtogether.org.uk

email: 

help@knutsfordtogether.org.uk 

...or call:

07778 709198

Information about the Community Action Fund can be found on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website: 

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-the-commissioner-does/community-funding/community-action-fund/

Pictured - Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer with the Knutsford Together team.