A NEW campaign is looking to demonstrate the heart there is in a village.

The Heart for Overton initiative, provided by St Mary’s Church, is working to help people in need of care and support in the area .

The aim is to draw together all service providers, from the public, private and voluntary sectors, in to one directory to be delivered to all homes in the village and online and have the information available on village noticeboards.

The launch event, known as Jammy Dodger Day, on Saturday, 2 September, at Overton Community Centre was declared a success and featured information stalls representing various support groups in the village, Citizens Advice, a craft table and face painting with a large turnout.

One of the project team members, Sue Smale said: “St Mary’s is grateful to Overton Parish Council and The Four Lanes Trust for their support in making this project possible and all the interest that has already been shown, locally. We hope Heart for Overton will be a useful resource for people and a place to come, even just for a bit of company.”

The initiative will also feature a weekly drop-in sessions at Overton Library, in High Street, on Tuesdays, from 11am-12.45pm, starting on Tuesday, 19 September. The sessions are for people to have a chat and find out about any support they could get.

The initiative follows on from churches in Overton taking part in the recent Who Cares initiative. Bishop David Williams, the bishop of Basingstoke, said: “The sixty plus churches taking part in the Who Cares initiative have the desire to understand what hurts the most in our communities, so that we can respond fully and sensitively to the needs of those around us.

“I am delighted that Heart for Overton is focused on caring and giving support to all those in need locally through their coffee morning and information sharing.”

For information and to submit a group to be listed, email heart@stmarysoverton.org.uk or go to facebook.com/overtonRG25.