Community agents on a mission to help over 50s Their mission, should they choose to accept it, is to provide advice and information face-to-face about a range of opportunities and services which could improve the health and well-being of older people in Hertfordshire.

Community Agents, which are part of a scheme to be funded by Hertfordshire County Council, will infiltrate local communities.

Their targets are anyone aged over 50 who could benefit from information, advice or opportunities to improve their quality of life. This can include mainstream services from leisure to libraries, home safety checks from the police and fire service, starting a hobby, volunteering or help getting back to work.

Once the agents have met people in their homes, they can make referrals to a wide variety of agencies and services which will keep older people healthy and active, give them greater independence and more involvement in local communities.

Key to the success of the mission is the First Contact Checklist, which allows older people, staff and volunteers to access information easily in one place on a range of services and opportunities.

Karyn Jones, Healthier Communities and Older People Programme Manager, a joint post with health, said: "A large percentage of the older population are not aware of the support which is available. It may be that just a small amount of guidance is needed to help someone maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, which is crucial for their wellbeing and retaining their independence."

The agents and checklist are part of a Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Action Plan approved by the council's Cabinet on Tuesday (May 26), which has been formed in partnership with health bodies, other local authorities, police and the voluntary sector. The plan will come into effect over the course of the next year.