Just a Couple of Hours a Week as a Hospice Neighbour Can Make a Huge Impact on Someone’s Life!

'Hospice Neighbours' is a free volunteer-led service available to Oakhaven Hospice patients and their families, offering companionship and a helping hand with everyday tasks that can be overwhelming when living with a life limiting illness.

Skills

These highly trained volunteers visit the individual to provide companionship and assistance with practical tasks, such as picking up prescriptions, gardening, light cleaning, shopping or dog walking. The prospect of a sharing time with a ‘Neighbour’ either over a coffee or whilst they are carrying out a task can offer huge comfort and solace. Our catchment is split into six areas, each with a team leader and up to ten Neighbours, so you will visit people close to your own home and be part of a strong team; great support is given at all times

One beneficiary of the scheme explained what it meant to him:

Living alone with a life changing illness can be challenging. Often it’s just not possible to be neat and tidy, put stuff away or organise it in such a way that it’s still accessible. You know how it is, you’re sitting there facing a mountain of clothing and you want a particular shirt. It can be a lonely struggle. Fortunately I have discovered a ‘secret weapon’ – one which makes a real difference to my daily grind – I have an Oakhaven Neighbour! It’s an apt title - the very word itself conjuring up images of a friendly presence in times of need. There for you, but unobtrusive that kind of thing. Be part of a well-trained, supported and valued team!