Holborn Policeman PC Murray has set up a visitation scheme for elderly and vulnerable people in Camden and Islington.
SHARE:
PC Murray said he was inspired to act after reading a report into social isolation among the elderly.
According to Age UK, isolation now poses a bigger risk to health than smoking or heart disease.
As a response PC Murray formed an initiative to visit victims of postal scams in Islington. He told City News how one man was spending £70 a week on a scam based in Australia.
The scheme soon became bigger, covering not only victims of online scams but all vulnerable, lonely and elderly residents within the community.
It now covers eighteen wards in Camden and sixteen in Islington, with both boroughs developing agencies where people seen to be in need can be referred.
Safer Neighbourhood officers have also been assigned to knock on doors within each ward.
PC Murray told City News, “some people argue that it should be down to social services or local authorities, but in this current financial climate the police have more resources to deal with this issue”.
“Although we are not the best resource, we are the best equipped at this time.”
PC Murray has said he hopes to work with such organisations in the future to help grow the scheme.
Residents of Camden and Islington can report concerns about a neighbour via email to [email protected].
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineHolborn policeman sets up elderly visitation scheme
Short HeadlinePoliceman sets up elderly visitation scheme
Standfirst
PC Murray said he was inspired to act after reading a report into social isolation among the elderly.
According to Age UK, isolation now poses a bigger risk to health than smoking or heart disease.
As a response PC Murray formed an initiative to visit victims of postal scams in Islington. He told City News how one man was spending £70 a week on a scam based in Australia.
The scheme soon became bigger, covering not only victims of online scams but all vulnerable, lonely and elderly residents within the community.
It now covers eighteen wards in Camden and sixteen in Islington, with both boroughs developing agencies where people seen to be in need can be referred.
Safer Neighbourhood officers have also been assigned to knock on doors within each ward.
PC Murray told City News, “some people argue that it should be down to social services or local authorities, but in this current financial climate the police have more resources to deal with this issue”.
“Although we are not the best resource, we are the best equipped at this time.”
PC Murray has said he hopes to work with such organisations in the future to help grow the scheme.
Residents of Camden and Islington can report concerns about a neighbour via email to [email protected].
