Improving quality of life through social connections
Neighbours Connect Southmead
Neighbours Connect Southmead has been working alongside Adult Social Care to help reduce the demand on the care system. With 40% of all older people saying that television is their main source of company, we need to start doing things differently.
We think that a strong community is one that is connected to each other, where neighbours look out for each other and where people feel part of things. Neighbours Connect Southmead encourages this through the careful and considered pairing of volunteers with members of our community.
How does it work
We match volunteers with isolated members of our community to spend time together; either in their home or out in the community. Examples of activities might include:
- chatting and drinking tea
- playing cards, board games, pool etc.
- attending a local group or club together
- driving someone to the doctors
We aim to match participants and volunteers based on their interests and commonalities. In this way, the project is tailored to the individual and offers the opportunity for genuine relationships to be formed.
We have lots of stories of different, creative ways that people have connected from going to a circus performance to walking dogs, from sourcing a free radio for music to playing card games online. We’ve had to adapt during Covid but our volunteers have been no less dedicated to making valued connections in our community.
To find out more about the project, email mariafitzgerald@southmead.org or call 0117 950 3335.
Meet the team
Deana. Volunteer.
It’s a wonderful feeling – coming together with her has expanded my world too
How can I be involved?
Click here to find out about becoming a Volunteer with Neighbours Connect Southmead.
Help us tackle loneliness and isolation on your doorstep
There are lonely and isolated people in our community.
Neighbours Connect Southmead is a project that connects people with each other.
Please get in touch with Alex Bennett – by email at alexbennett@southmead.org or phone 0117 950 3335.
Click here to download the Neighbours Connect Southmead Information Sheet
How can I be involved?
How do you match volunteers with members of our community?
We match volunteers with isolated members of our community to spend time together; either in their home or out in the community. If you feel like you could find connection with a neighbour or support someone to feel less alone, then get in touch with us.
How much time would I need to give?
Between 20 minutes and 2 hours – you decide how much time and what will suit you!
How can I find out more?
Do gt in touch with Simone Davis – by email: simonedavis@southmead.org or phone on 0117 950 3335.
To apply for the role of Volunteer Community Supporter please download an Information Sheet, Role Description and Person Specification, and Application Form below. Application packs are also available from Reception at the Greenway Centre.
Click here to download the Neighbours Connect Southmead Information Sheet
Click here to download the Volunteer Role Description
Click here to download the Volunteer Application form .
Please complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (click to download).
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Neighbours Connect in Good Hands
Read more >Southmead Development Trust's Values
Positivity
Regardless of the challenge
Integrity
Being true to our word
Excellence
Going above and beyond
Welcoming
Respecting everyone
Entrepreneurial
For the long term good of our communities