A '˜team' approach pays off for police and Healthwatch

The two agencies teamed up for a ‘drop in’ session at Jof’s Coffee Shop in North Street last Thursday.

They also visited an Age UK coffee morning at the town’s community centre.

Both sessions offered a chance for residents to raise any issues with the town’s Neighbourhood Policing team.

At the same time, staff from Healthwatch were on hand to discuss any issues on health and social care.

PCSO Nigel Wass said the two sessions were ‘very well attended’.

He said: “It was good that a lot of people came forward and put their views across.

“From a policing point of view, it was very worthwhile.

“We had two or three really good pieces of information, which we will be following up in enquiries.

”At the same time, we were able to pass on advice and general reassurance about a few other matters.

“It was really good and I know Healthwatch felt the same.”

PCSO Wass said it was an advantage teaming up with other agencies.

He explained a number of issues often ‘overlap’ the work of different organisations and a co-ordinated approach could help solve any issues.

Police in Horncastle regularly team up at public events with housing association officials and Lincolnshire Tradiing Standards .

They have also been involved in a joint approach with East Lindsey District Council’s dog warden to crackdown on the issue of dog fouling in the town.

PCSO Wass said: “These are all examples of how agencies can work together to help people.

“It’s a great way of forming links with the local community and people are definitely a lot happier about coming forward in a less formal atmosphere.”

The initiative with Healthwatch follows on from regular ‘Spill the Beans Sessions’ organised by police at Jof’s.

PCSO Wass confirmed police and Healthwatch planned to hold at least one more drop in session later in the year. He said plans were on going to hold events with other organisations.