Our mission
Bringing people together to build compassionate and caring communities
Compassionate communities start with good neighbours
The Compassionate Neighbours programme aims to tackle the loneliness and social isolation that many people who are nearing the end of life experience. This might be due to age,illness or bereavement.
The programme trains local people to become volunteer Compassionate Neighbours, empowering them to support people in their communities (‘Community Members’) who would benefit from friendship and companionship.
Being a Compassionate Neighbour can take various forms including regular one-to-one visits at home, meeting up in groups or in community hubs. Each project is shaped to suit the needs of local people.
Evidence from the projects shows the significant positive impact on the health and well-being of both Compassionate Neighbours and Community Members.
Did you know?
Many community members felt more connected to their community
Compassionate Neighbours spend 1 hour a week on average with their community member
14 hospices run Compassionate Neighbours schemes across the UK
A significant number of people have been matched through Compassionate Neighbours.
How compassionate
communities are making a difference
Our network
Our network consists of likeminded hospices across the UK who have partnered together to encourage best practice and sharing of resources. Hospices who join the programme benefit from connecting with local people in their community much earlier than clinical hospice services, and from engaging with a broader, more diverse range of local people. Compassionate Neighbours can be a great first step for hospices looking to offer volunteer-led social support programmes to complement clinical services.
Who’s involved
Hospices
14 hospices around the UK are part of the Compassionate Neighbours network. If you’re thinking about how to start community engagement, Compassionate Neighbours is an ideal way to start.
We’re looking for other hospices in the UK to join the programme.
Healthcare
GPs, social prescribers, care homes and housing associations are keen to refer local people to Compassionate Neighbours.
Funders
Compassionate Neighbours is a highly attractive volunteer-led social support programme that grant funders and commissioners are keen to support.