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Could you be a Compassionate Neighbour?

We are launching a new community-led project, Compassionate Neighbours. It aims to tackle loneliness and isolation for people living with terminal illness across Brighton, Hove and the Havens. 

Compassionate Neighbours is a national social movement that has been successful in other parts of the UK. The award-winning project was originally started by St Joseph’s Hospice in London.

Martlets is now introducing this locally. We want to help people to connect with each other. Volunteers will make a difference to members of their community coping with the impact of terminal illness. It will also help reduce social isolation.

The programme aims to provide a group of trained neighbours who offer their time and companionship to local people struggling with loneliness and are in need of support.

A Compassionate Neighbour can help by arranging regular visits and offering a listening ear and emotional support. They can also help people to do activities they enjoy. In addition, a key role is to assist with staying connected to their local community, family and friends.

Compassionate Neighbours lead, Elmien Brink said:

“Martlets understands that many local people can become socially isolated when coping with terminal illness and that there are people who will be facing death and dying on their own. 

We also know that in our community there is a desire for people to be there for one another and offer help and support. It is about unlocking this and enabling it to happen.

Are you interested in becoming a Compassionate Neighbour?

Contact the team for more information:

*Please note that Compassionate Neighbours is a voluntary programme. Volunteers must be aged over 18.

 

Published 14/02/2020