A BRAND new role aimed at helping those in need across East Hampshire has been created at Penns Place.
Ingrid Thomas of East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) has been appointed Welfare Portfolio Holder, and will sit on the council cabinet.
Her first step is aimed at gathering information about relevant services, support groups and other welfare providers and making it available at one place.
Cllr Thomas said: “Although East Hampshire is quite wealthy, there are some pockets of real poverty.
“There are quite a lot of vulnerable people out there, some of the elderly, young people who need support, and their welfare is really important.
“There are quite a lot of schemes in place, but it was felt there wasn’t a connecting threat, we want to put everything in the same basket.
“It was felt this was an area the council could improve and expand on, and one of the first steps is to improve signposting to the help out there, and improve access to all the facilities and relevant organisations.”
Once that is done, it is hoped the council will be able to direct those in need to the right place easily, so they will be able to get help quicker
Another early hope is that local forums for vulnerable groups such as the disabled can be resurrected, or launched, and these will help feed issues and information to the council.
Cllr Thomas says those with problems, or ideas or solutions that could help those in need can contact her directly by emailing [email protected]