UK takes inspiration from Jersey 'call and check' service

Tuesday 09 February 2021

A local initiative which sees postmen check on elderly and vulnerable islanders could be introduced in the UK following a suggestion from a union.

The 110,000-member strong Communication Workers Union (CWU) wants to implement Jersey Post’s 'Call and Check' service developed by Joe Dickinson.

The service was first trialled in the island in 2013 and sees posties knocking on the door of those who have signed up to the scheme on a regular basis, depending on the frequency requested by the customer.

Pictured: The service, which sees postmen check on elderly and vulnerable islanders, was first trialled in Jersey in 2013.

During their visits, posties check that everything is alright and ask whether the individual has any immediate needs or issues. Anything that is reported is then passed on to one of the relevant partner organisations for them to respond appropriately.

Since its launch, the service has been recognised by several awards and trialled in the USA, Finland, Ireland, Australia, Guernsey, the Isle of Man as well as the UK.

Now the CWU is hoping to introduce the service more widely as part of plans to bring in extra money. 

The General Secretary of the union, Dave Ward told the Telegraph he had made the suggestion to the Royal Mail in a bid to "build on our biggest advantage" which he described as "trust on the doorstep”.

As part of the plans, posties could also be delivering prescriptions.