SOHAM S Viva Centre has set up a new community support scheme designed to give elderly people a chance to stay independent in their own home. The scheme, called Deniva, which launches officially next Friday, offers the benefits of a warden scheme. Traine

SOHAM'S Viva Centre has set up a new community support scheme designed to give elderly people a chance to stay independent in their own home.

The scheme, called Deniva, which launches officially next Friday, offers the benefits of a warden scheme.

Trained warden, Maureen Galpin, will offer up to three home visits per week, a daily phone call and help with pension collection and prescriptions. Temporary visits can also be arranged when friends and family are away.

Mrs Galpin said: "We're looking forward to welcoming Soham residents to our public launch at the Viva Centre on Friday October 26. We'll be open from 10am until 1pm. Come and have coffee and cake with us and let us know if you need a lift!"

The Deniva project has been heavily subsidised by the town council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, and local businesses.

"It's really been a combined effort," said Helen Randall whose East Cambridgeshire branch of Care Network offered expert advice to the Viva Centre. "I had identified a need for a scheme like this in Soham. The town has got lots of lunch clubs and other social activities but nothing which offers practical help, particularly for people who are housebound. With the Viva Centre already established and ready to get involved it made sense to run it from there."

Lisa Hunt, from Viva, said: "This is the culmination of a year's preparation work, securing funding and getting the project off the ground. Lots of volunteers have offered their services and we are looking forward to welcoming South East Cambridgeshire MPJim Paice to the launch next Friday."

East Cambridgeshire District Council and Soham Town Council contributed a total of £3,000 to the scheme.