Hundreds of South Cambridgeshire residents are already benefiting from a simple service that reduces loneliness, boosts confidence and helps people stay independent at home for longer – and the District Council is urging more people to take advantage.
The Council is encouraging more residents to make use of the Mobile Warden Schemes which it helps to fund and has created a new video that highlights the benefits – a version of which will be shown in local doctor surgeries. Mobile wardens help people live independently, safely and happily in their own homes.
Molly Chamberlain, a local resident and client of the scheme, said: “When you are sitting at home 24/7 and you can’t get out for whatever reason, you know that in half an hour the warden is coming. You’ll have a chat and she will cheer you up and you feel 100% better. It’s like going out for an evening with a friend.”
The schemes also provide peace of mind for families and carers, offering reassurance that someone local is regularly checking in and supporting their loved ones.
Molly’s daughter, Gail Cooke, commented: “It’s the reassurance of knowing she’s safe in our own home. I can’t always be there for my Mum but the reassurance of knowing that there is an extra pair of hands puts my mind at rest, for which I will always be grateful.”
The schemes, delivered across more than 50 communities in South Cambridgeshire, provide practical and social support for older and more vulnerable residents. Wardens offer regular visits, a friendly face and a trusted point of contact – helping to reduce loneliness and isolation while improving overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Mobile Wardens also play a key role in helping residents feel safer and more confident at home. Through regular check-ins and help with small everyday tasks, wardens can spot potential issues early and prevent them from becoming more serious problems, supporting people to remain independent for longer.
For many clients – of which there are currently around 260 - wardens quickly become a reassuring and trusted presence. Even those who may be unsure at first often come to rely on the service, valuing the consistency and support it offers in their day-to-day lives.
Debbie Stewart, Head Warden for the Melbourn and District Warden Scheme, added: “Usually, a visit consists of a friendly chat. When you visit someone on a regular basis, you learn what’s normal for them. So, you might see them on a Monday, and they might be a bit down. And then you see them again on the Thursday or the Friday and there’s something different and at that point you can intervene. You can either help them to get a doctor’s appointment, or you can contact their family, so it allows you to step in before something gets too serious.”
Importantly, Mobile Warden Schemes are an affordable way to access support. They are designed to complement, not replace, formal care services, and provide a low-cost option that can help people stay in their homes and communities for longer. Wardens can also help residents access additional support, such as benefits they may be entitled to.
Councillor Dr Lisa Redrup, Lead Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Our Mobile Warden Schemes are a fantastic example of community-based support making a real difference to people’s lives. They are not just about practical help – they are about connection, reassurance and dignity. Having someone you trust checking in regularly can make all the difference in helping people feel safe, confident and less isolated.”
Residents or family members can make a referral to a local scheme.
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