Service Outline

Supporting local people to reduce social isolation across West Sussex

As everyone is different, the Royal Voluntary Service provides support which is tailor-made to individual needs. The overall aim is to enable people to increase social contact and become more active in their local community. The service provides an initial home assessment with the client at a pre-arranged time to discuss their background, current activities and routines, interests and what help they want to enable them to be less socially isolated and to live the life they want. We then draw up a plan and look to match a suitable volunteer with the client to help them build confidence and reduce their isolation. This service is available free of charge and can include such things as:

• accompanying someone to the shops or for a short walk

• support to attend local clubs, groups and activities

• enabling a person to take up a hobby

• some company and a chat with regular visits from a volunteer (for up to 12 weeks only)

We can also link people with a wide range of other organisations across West Sussex that provide advice, services and activities.

Service Criteria

The Good Neighbours service is for older people who live alone in West Sussex and are socially isolated. The service will remain free of charge. Our criteria includes:

- People age 65 years and over

- People who have been identified as socially isolated or lonely

- People who do not have a network of local support nearby

- People who are unable to access and attend activities in their local community with support.

The support we offer aims to increase independence and improve wellbeing, and we can provide assistance for up to 12 weeks. Our service is not open-ended and would therefore not be suitable for clients who are looking for ongoing or long-term support.

Referrers are reminded that this service is volunteer resourced and although volunteers receive some training, they are not paid health professionals. Volunteers do not do housework, gardening, shopping (although they will take somebody to the shops if it is a short term issue) or personal care at all.

As this service offers a low-level intervention for a limited time, higher-end, more complex needs are very unlikely to be supported. If in doubt, please contact your local Good Neighbours team prior to making a referral.

Sessions Run

Monday morning, Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning, Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning, Thursday afternoon, Friday morning, Friday afternoon

  Quality Assured Provider