PCSOs in Ely have joined with a Cambridgeshire charity in a new initiative aimed at keeping older residents independent and in their homes.

The Ely PCSO team is the first organisation in the district to sign up to work in partnership with charity Care Network to help those across the district who may be more isolated and vulnerable . The Community Navigators project is being funded by Cambridgeshire County Council for three years and began in November 2012.

Sue Loaker, community safety officer for East Cambridgeshire said: “Officers visit many households during their course of duty and are able to quickly identify a need or service that could improve the residents quality of life, with a view to keep them as safe, secure and as independent as possible within their home for as long as possible.”

The project is also recruiting individuals across the entire county.

Those with a good local knowledge or who are willing to learn are offered training to join the Community Navigator team, and will access and provide information to people across the area they live in or wish to cover.

Those wanting to get involved should contact co-ordinator Anne Marie on 01353 659639.