HILTON BUDDIES KEEP AN EYE ON HILTON’S VULNERABLE RESIDENTS
The newly formed Hilton Buddies is a first of its kind operation that is here to keep an eye on Hilton’s vulnerable residents.
Operating fully under the auspices of Hilton SAPS and Hilton Community Neighbourhood Watch, Hilton Buddies was formed in response to the increase in safety incidents involving elderly residents.
“Our aim is to connect volunteers with vulnerable residents from all areas of Hilton to observe and monitor their safety and well-being, as well as check in with them on a regular basis,” said Deidre Rautenbach, who volunteered to head up the project that kicked off in August 2021.
An initial donation was made by Harcourts Hilton to cover the administration costs involved in getting the initiative going.
Vulnerable residents are defined as any resident who is at high risk for any reason, such as the elderly, disabled, or anyone who lives alone and does not have a social network in place or anyone nearby to check up on them or keep in touch with.
“Our target group is at-risk elderly Hilton residents whose family might be far away, or anyone that might need someone to keep an eye on them,” Rautenbach said.
All vulnerable residents who sign up are added to the Hilton Buddies database and connected with a volunteer who will check up on them regularly and monitor their safety and well-being with the use of technology.
“This includes keeping in touch a few days a week and visiting them at least once in two weeks or according to the resident’s needs.
“We are in constant communication with all parties involved. We keep an eye on the residents’ well-being and make recommendations to the resident and their next of kin for extra support if needed,” Rautenbach explained.
So far, there are 26 volunteers registered to connect with 18 vulnerable residents in Hilton. Because the project is a Hilton SAPS initiative all volunteers must go through a background check by SAPS.
Rautenbach said there is a need for a project like this and they are streamlining the idea as it gains momentum. Rautenbach has a vision to grow the project to include monthly outings for the residents in the programme, as well as hopefully to get a vehicle to transport the Hilton Buddies.
“We have a lot of elderly and vulnerable residents who fall through the cracks, and especially during Covid-19 lockdown most residents became quite isolated,” she added.
“Our plan is to support only local businesses and local artists with our outings and events. It would be wonderful to have a local business come on board financially to support these events. That way, three local entities are supported — a local business, a local artist as well as local vulnerable residents.”
She said she is blown away at Hilton’s community spirit, which she says, makes the town so unique.
“I’ve never lived in a community that works so well together and works so closely with the police. The community works together to put systems in place to ensure the safety and security of residents. All these initiatives are completely reliant on the involvement, support and financial contributions of the Hilton residents and businesses.“
If anyone would like more information you can contact Hilton Buddies at 066 083 8155 or via email at kznhiltonbuddies@gmail. com