Compassionate Neighbours
Our Compassionate Neighbours are local people who provide social and emotional support to anyone experiencing loneliness.
Compassionate Neighbours are local volunteers who provide support to members of our community who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation by:
- Visiting regularly for a cup of tea and a chat
- Offering friendship and a listening ear
- Helping them to do the things they like doing
- Helping them stay connected to the community as well as family and friends
The effects of social isolation and loneliness in people of all ages can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and, with around 200,000 older people in the UK not having had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month, Garden House Hospice Care wants to raise awareness and help people connect with their community.
Would you like a Compassionate Neighbour?
If you, or someone you know, are living with a life-limiting illness, are elderly or frail and/or are experiencing loneliness or social isolation, you could access support from a Compassionate Neighbour. Simply complete our online referral form or call us on 01462 679540 (option 8).
Would you like to be a Compassionate Neighbour?
Can you spare an hour a week to make a real difference in someone's life? Compassionate Neighbours are trained volunteers who are matched with a community member based on interests and hobbies. Offering regular visits, companionship, emotional support and a listening ear, they help them do the things they like doing and stay connected to their community, family and friends.
Compassionate Neighbours introductory days
Our introductory days are fun, informal and transformative. Not only will you learn more about the project but you'll also meet like-minded people and also find out how you can support those people in your local community who would love to meet you. You don’t need any specific skills, qualifications, or experiences to attend, you don't even need to bring a pen! Just bring yourself and a positive attitude.
Our introductory days take place at The Hawthorne Centre at Garden House Hospice Care every other month from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Register your interest using the form below and a member of our team will be in touch:
University of Hertfordshire Research
We commissioned the University of Hertfordshire to carry out an independent evaluation of the Compassionate Neighbours Project over a six-month period (November 2021 to April 2022). We're delighted to bring you their report which provides evidence that the project is meeting its aims to:
- Improve wellbeing and quality of life.
- Bring people together through helping patients, family members, carers, and volunteers to reconnect to their communities.
- Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Ensure equitable access to services so anyone in need of palliative care can easily access the support they need, at the earliest opportunity.
Get in touch
If you can spare an hour a week to make a real difference in your local community, we’d love to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01462 679540 (option 8)
This project is kindly funded by Hertfordshire County Council and Stevenage Borough Council.