Harvington Pastoral Support Network

The Harvington Pastoral Support Network is a village initiative aimed at providing neighbourly support to local residents. The co-ordinators are Wendy and Konrad Monks and the other volunteers in the group are currently Mike Barbour, Annette France, and Sue Bullard. The Rector, Reverend Canon Richard Thorniley, oversees the project.
The purpose of the network is to provide low-key practical and emotional support to residents of the village, or to provide advice about how to access help for more complex needs. Over the last couple of years we have focused on raising awareness of the service through notices in the Village News, the Arch Messenger, and the “Welcome to Harvington”booklet which we produced. This has been effective in that we are quite often approached now by people who would like some help, or residents who have noticed that someone seems to be struggling a bit and who would “just like to let us know”. So, for instance, we
have been able to help with lifts to various appointments, taken people shopping or got provisions in for them if they have been poorly, and undertaken small practical or DIY tasks.
We are also providing friendly visiting for some people who are isolated or have suffered poor health or bereavement. In addition, we have been able to mobilise the very positive community spirit which exists in Harvington to keep a friendly eye on some of the more vulnerable villagers, and, for instance, to alert relatives where necessary.
It has been gratifying to recognise the care and goodwill that characterises the people of Harvington and we hope the project will be able to go from strength to strength. If you would like to speak to the team, or need a copy of the “Welcome” booklet, do please contact us on 01386 870267. E-mail address: