There are a number of schemes in Harston which support older and vulnerable people:
Mobile Warden Scheme
If you live independently but would like a bit of company, help and reassurance, you might want to consider joining the Harston & District Mobile Village Warden Scheme. It provides daily contact for people who, for whatever reason, need a bit of help with things like collecting prescriptions, getting shopping, or trips to appointments. Membership is through a weekly fee.
The Village Warden Scheme operates in Harston, Hauxton and Barrington and is supported by your Parish Councils.
For more information, please call John Cowen on 01223 870200, or email him.
Registered Charity No: 1088033
Registered Address: 23, Foxton Road, Barrington, Cambridge CB22 7RN
- Chair: Mr John Cowan
- Treasurer: Mr Roger Clarke
- Secretary: Mr Lawford Howells
Lunch Club
The Lunch Club meets every Monday at Harston Village Hall (except Bank Holidays and during August). Spaces are available for anyone over 65 from Harston, Newton, Hauxton and Barrington who would like an excellent home-cooked meal and good company for just a few pounds. Transport can be arranged.
Ring June Boakes on 01223 870777 if you would like to join or if you can help with preparing veg, cooking, serving, or washing up.
Social Car Scheme
Established by in 1991 by local legend Peggy Heap, the volunteer-run car scheme helps people get to medical & medically-related appointments within a five mail radius of Harston when they have no alternative. This covers the surgery in Harston, the health centre, optician & dentist in Great Shelford, and Addenbrookes Hospital.
This is a not-for-profit service. Costs are covered by small contribution from the passenger and a subsidy from Cambridgeshire County Council. This scheme is not an alternative for a cheap taxi service. If you are able to take a taxi or arrange transport with family and friends, please do so. Volunteer drivers give their own time and the financial contributions given do not cover the total motoring cost.
Anyone needing transport for medical journeys must contact the coordinator, Angela Holden, on 01223 870647 between 09:00 – 11:00 , Monday-Friday, at least 24 hours before appointment time, and ideally 48 hours before the pick-up from the passenger’s home. Should no one be available to take the call please, leave a message on the answer phone. The coordintor will then be able to confirm eligibility of request, confirm a driver, and advise on cost.
As the village grows and we all live longer, the demand for the service increases. We need to recruit more drivers to ensure that the scheme continues to deliver through the next decade. Please volunteer if you can.
