A new community engagement officer has been appointed to support residents and organisations as the area moves out of lockdown.

David Golding will work with groups in the Cowley Hill area of Borehamwood; a ward identified in 2020 as the most deprived in Hertfordshire.

Mr Golding has been appointed by Hertsmere Borough Council and over the last couple of weeks has begun integrating himself into his new community, meeting locals.

One of his most important and time-sensitive tasks is to encourage residents to take up the opportunity of a coronavirus vaccine.

Cowley Hill recorded double the amount of Covid deaths than any other of Borehamwood's three wards between March and December, and with the Indian variant of coronavirus present in Hertfordshire, Mr Golding will be doing what he can to increase take-up of the vaccine.

NHS figures show around 7,000 first and second doses have been given out in Cowley Hill up to May 16.

Data suggests 65 per cent of Cowley Hill's population have had at least one vaccine, based on a ward population estimate of 7,200.

He said: "Our immediate priorities are to support our communities around Covid-19, and this will mean reaching out with information from trusted sources, and helping residents around vaccination and testing. We will be working with established groups of professionals and community-based groups to reach out to our residents including those hard-to-reach groups.

"To help do this we will be constructing the Cowley Hill Community Forum which we hope will continue beyond the pandemic, helping to keep residents in touch with information, events and help that is available from a range of professionals."

The new officer for Cowley Hill, who previously worked as an outreach and engagement officer for family weight management organisation BeeZee Bodies, says he has already been put in touch with a number of residents, organisations, and professionals in Cowley Hill.

He says getting stuck into his new role in Borehamwood and one of the most favourite people he has met so far has been 81-year-old Patricia Walker.

Patricia Walker

Patricia Walker

Mr Golding said: "I have really enjoyed my first few weeks in my new role. I am lucky to work in a great team within the council, and my new colleagues have been both supportive and informative, and have already helped put me in touch with many local professionals, residents and community groups.

"I have spent some valuable time getting to know some local residents, including Patricia Walker, known affectionately as Nanny Pat. Pat received her second dose of vaccine last month and feels great.

"She's looking forward to getting back out into the community. Pat lives off Aycliffe Road, and volunteers at Sewing Studio just a short walk away."

Mr Golding says he also wants to work with local shopkeepers and other members of the community and plans to produce a monthly newsletter providing updates on his activities in and around Cowley Hill.

Cowley Hill's new community engagement officer is keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in helping reach members of the community. He can be contacted at david.golding@hertsmere.gov.uk or drop into Borehamwood Foodbank on Thursdays from 10am until 12.30pm.