A local hospice has supported over 3,000 people experiencing loneliness or social isolation since 2018. More than 900 community members are currently matched one-to-one with a volunteer, however the national aging population and declining number of volunteers mean the award-winning service is in high demand.

The 'Compassionate Neighbours' service is led by Garden House Hospice Care. The Hospice is calling on people to consider volunteering for just one hour a week, providing friendship and a listening ear to someone in the community. Full training is provided – the next session is on Wednesday 26th November.

Roy, from Ickleford, has lived alone since his wife died four years ago. He was introduced to Compassionate Neighbours after a short stay in hospital:

"At first I just thought, 'I might as well give it a go' and the next minute, Revinder came and we hit it off right away. We laugh and joke and talk about our families, and things that I have never talked to any other people about, bringing back memories of my childhood during and after the war.

"When I was younger, I used to think I'd like to live in a large house but now, I've realised living on your own is no joke. You don't know what loneliness is until it affects you. Now, I've got someone to listen to and who I could talk to all day."

Roy's volunteer Compassionate Neighbour is Revinder Basra, who lives in Letchworth. When asked why she decided to volunteer, Revinder said:

"I wanted to give back to something that my parents might need in the future themselves, something that was local, and something that was impactful. We often talk about big things – how you can maybe give a lot of your time or money to charity – but actually, by doing just this small thing once a week, the impact is huge. I get complete joy seeing Roy every week.

"Initially I thought, 'Oh, my God, what am I going to have common with a 90-year-old?' It turns out that even though we're from different religions and backgrounds, we share a sense of humour, and the basic love and joy that we get from family, food and celebration. The difference it's made for me has been transformative – we feel like family."

As well as combatting loneliness, the Compassionate Neighbours service enables Garden House Hospice Care to support more individuals who may be living with frailty or long-term conditions. The Hospice strives to enhance people's quality of life and reduce hospital admissions, easing pressure on the NHS.

Jeanette Farrow is Compassionate Neighbours Manager:

"This call for volunteers isn't just about increasing our numbers, it's about changing lives and ensuring no-one in our community is left behind. We currently have a list of people waiting for a friend, and it's heartbreaking having to turn them away.

"All we're asking for is for people to give up one hour of their time a week to make a real difference. Anyone can apply – as long as you're over the age of 18 and have a positive attitude, you'll fit right in."

To find out more and sign up for the next Compassionate Neighbours training day, visit http://www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/compassionate-neighbours or call 01462 679540.