Going Strong with Neighbours Connect Southmead

Do you know us here at Neighbours Connect Southmead? We are one of the few befriending services in North Bristol to offer home visits. We have a team of fantastic volunteers who dedicate time to visiting people who might be alone, offering much needed companionship, and going out and about with them.

One of our participants has lived in Southmead for more than thirty years and says she is a ‘Meader’ through and through. Her life had been pretty hard before connecting with us, she told us:

“I used to go out a lot, I love talking to people, I’m a real chatterbox! I wish I could still go out like I used to, but I can’t anymore on my own due to my health. Life has changed a lot since I’ve met my NCS volunteer. We have great debates about politics, life and everything really! She’s a really lovely person. We’ve also been out to the local cafe for a cuppa which is lovely. It’s so good to have the company. Without her I would be very isolated. My daughter and carers help, but it is good to have a friend. I look forward to my volunteer coming to visit me. I’m not so isolated”.

A highlight of Neighbours Connect is our Monday Lunch Club – we have been running it now for three years and it is such a happy gathering.  It is every fortnight and we eat a hearty bowl of food together, then enjoy quizzes, games, and arts and crafts. We meet in the beautiful new Garden Hall at Greenway, where from the big windows we can currently see all the blossoms blooming.

Please contact us If you know someone who is over fifty-five and looking for more ways to socialise on a Monday, or if you would like to join our friendly bunch of volunteers, or would like to refer someone into our service – just click HERE, or email: simonedavis@southmead.org.