Yesterday I attended a celebration of the warden scheme in Teversham. It was set up twenty years ago by Dave Kelleway, and is supported by the county council, SCDC, the Parish Council and the Marshall Group.

This combination of public and private finance has meant this scheme has survived and is thriving. It is unusual because the warden checks on people in their own homes rather than sheltered accommodation.

I want to see if we can use this model or working elsewhere. It was fantastic to talk with some of the vulnerable people who we say are our priority. Cost effective schemes like this help to keep people living independent lives and save us money, as the alternative might be residential care.

This scheme is managed by Age UK.