Everyone should have a friend

Compassionate Neighbours is a project that aims to offer friendship and support to people who have become isolated or lonely, and/or who are nearing end of life due to old age or illness. We do this by introducing them to trained Compassionate Neighbours who befriend them.

Our volunteers are generous with their time and over 270 have taken part in Compassionate Neighbour training at the hospice. Many go on to be matched with someone in their own local area who needs the support. They visit for around an hour a week – getting up to all kinds of things!

You can provide a vital social lifeline to someone who needs it. Anyone aged 19 years or above can train to become a Compassionate Neighbour. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and many work full-time, visiting in the evening, weekend or on weekdays when they are available.

All we ask is that volunteers can spare an hour a week to touch the life of someone who can benefit from the support and some social interaction.

Once trained, our volunteers are matched with someone in their local area – often within walking distance. Matches are typically based on where you live, shared hobbies and interests, or backgrounds. When a match is made, we’ll make the introductions and from then the new friendship can blossom. We’re not prescriptive, so our matches decide how to spend their time together.