Village Agents

Village Agents is a joint project between South Gloucestershire Council and the West of England Rural Network linking vulnerable people in rural areas with advice and support to help them live independently.

It has been funded by the Prevention Fund following a successful pilot project in Marshfield. We have now expanded the project to operate in three further rural areas of South Gloucestershire:

  • Cotswold Edge
  • Pilning & Severn Beach
  • Severn Vale

Village Agents are paid, part-time employees who live or are embedded in their area and know the community well. They take referrals from professionals and relatives, friends and neighbours of residents who need some extra help to continue to live in their own homes.

They can help provide advice on a wide variety of matters, including:

  • access to information and services
  • promoting health and wellbeing
  • transport to medical appointments
  • claiming benefits and other financial support
  • help with mobility
  • fire safety checks
  • befriending
  • help to maintain independence 

Village Agents will visit people in their own homes or visit existing community groups. They build trust with their clients and are independent so they offer free, confidential advice and support.

Village Agents can also support the local community with accessing grant funding and facilitating new activities.

If you know someone who lives in one of the four areas covered by Village Agents in South Gloucestershire who may need some help, you can get in touch.

Areas currently supported:

Marshfield, Doynton, Dyrham, Cold Ashton, Tormarton, Pucklechurch, Wick, Wickwar, Hawkesbury Upton, Little Badminton, Acton Turville, Badminton, Hortan, Little Sodbury, Pilning, Severn Beach, Easter Compton, Hallen, Olveston, Aust, Oldbury-Upon-Severn, Hill and Rockhampton

Phone: 01275 333700 (answering machine with messages being collected Monday - Thursday 9am-4pm)

Email: south.glos.VA@wern.org.uk

Further information about the West of England Rural Network Village Agents programme: https://www.wern.org.uk/village-agents

Further information about Prevention Fund: https://www.southglos.gov.uk/prevention-programme-2023