Good Neighbour Scheme
The Good Neighbour Scheme is an initiative spearheaded by Age Concern Dudley and dedicated to reducing the social isolation and loneliness experienced by many older people through the Dudley Borough. Support is offered through regular visits from a trained and dedicated volunteer team.
Volunteers are trained and supported to escort and enable older people to lead a more satisfying later life. The volunteers role can be varied. It could be escorting a housebound person to an opticians or dental appointment or to visit an old friend. It may be enabling a visually impaired person to respond to their mail.
In many cases the housebound individual receives only paid visitors, such as "Homecare" or a `meals on wheels` service. Age Concern Dudley`s Good Neighbours, through regular visits, telephone calls and providing escorting assistance form a vital link with the outside world.
Having someone to chat to for perhaps even one hour a week or having a volunteer to help you do your own shopping can boost an individuals confidence greatly. With regular support we enable older people to remain independent. The Good Neighbour Scheme is a flexible client led service that caters for the needs of the client rather than a `one size fits all` approach to eldercare.
Here are some of the comments made this year by clients receiving our services:
"My Good Neighbour takes me out for a walk and helps me with silly little things, like reaching items in the house that I cannot do. I cannot walk outside unaided so it is helping me keep mobile and to get some fresh air. I have made a very good friend of my helper and I always look forward to her vists".
Mrs B of Kingswinford
"Oh, the Good Neighbour Scheme has made such a difference to my life, he brings new ideas into my life and we do lots of different things. Meeting him was like a bolt from the blue and a blessing".
Miss H of Halesowen
"This means I have a friend:someone to talk to who understands my needs and I look forward to the visits. I feel safe and secure knowing someone cares. It is a shame we cannot find even more volunteers to help".
To qualify for the Good Neighbour Scheme you must:
Be aged over 60, living alone within the Dudley Borough and receiving no more than three unpaid visitors each week.
Priority will be given to people who are housebound or who experience great difficulty in leaving the house. Priority will also be given to those not attending day centres or social clubs.
Unfortunately we are unable to assist people experiencing mental health problems as our volunteers are not specialists in this area.
As with all good services we do have a waiting list. However, Good Neighbour Scheme staff will maintain regular communication with all clients from the waiting list, either through telephone calls or regular visits. If you are interested in receiving more information about this service please call the team on 01384 354512 and we would be happy to chat to you over the telephone or send information in the post.
Our volunteers are trained and supported in their role, with regular supervision meetings, introductory and on-going training. A 12 hour emergency contact system runs along side the Co-ordinators open door policy. We strive, wherever possible to place volunteers in roles that suit their experience, preference and character. Volunteers select days, times and area they work. The volunteering role can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for those who are willing to dedicate at least one hour a week to Age Concern Dudley.
At present we have 90 volunteers on the scheme but we would be delighted to hear from you if you think you would like to help us.
If you would like an informal chat about becoming a Good Neighbour please contact Mark Thomas, Julie Sandall or Judy Nicholls on 01384 354512.