GPs back ‘Sidmouth hotline’ idea

DOCTORS in the Sid Valley have backed the idea for a hotline to help struggling elderly residents.

Substantial interest has been shown in helping get the scheme up and running since the idea was revealed in the Herald last month.

The initiative would help co-ordinate the large number of helpful organisations in the area to have maximum benefit for the elderly population.

All are invited to an event on Tuesday, March 11, at Sidmouth Rugby Club’s pavilion in Sidford from 4pm to 6pm to explore ideas for developing and building on a range of existing support services.

The event will include a presentation on the public health profile and health plan for the district, information about how a neighbourhood health watch scheme works and a discussion to explore enhancing what currently happens in the Sid Valley.

Sidmouth GP Dr Mike Slot has encouraged people to attend and said: “There are many groups and individuals doing important and helpful work in the town, and this is an opportunity to raise awareness of this and to improve co-ordination between these initiatives.”

Sidmouth has a high proportion of over 65s living alone and schemes exist in Devon where communities work together to tackle loneliness, isolation and health. Sidmouth Help Link is a local charity which already provides co-ordination services.

To book a place at the meeting in March, email d-ccg.easternlocality@nhs.net or phone 01392 356079.