VOLUNTEER LINK UP SCHEME – a note from Rosie White

I am offering support to set up a Good Neighbour Scheme in your area, or to those of you with a schemes already, to help possibly expand what you do.  I am funded by AgeUK in partnership with Volunteer Link Up to help communities across Oxfordshire.

 

Cherwell District Council’s 2018-2019 Business Plan set out three strategic priorities, one of which was to create ‘Thriving Communities and Wellbeing’.  One of three aims within this was to adopt The ‘Good Neighbour’ model to target social isolation and loneliness.

 

What is a Good Neighbour Scheme:

Good Neighbour Schemes are local voluntary groups which offer a service in their community e.g. transport, befriending and practical help, to older, vulnerable and isolated people in need of a little help and support.  Each community decides what is needed locally.

 

Benefits:

  • Reduces loneliness
  • Enables people to stay independent and well
  • Allows them to feel supported by their community
  • Delays the need for more specialist care

 

What we offer:

We offer insurance cover, free DBS checks, access to a £500 set up grant (to cover for example a mobile phone and publicity materials) access to policies and procedures and a support network.

 

If you would like more information, or to talk through how a scheme would work in your community, please contact me.

 

Best wishes

Rosie White

Good Neighbour Scheme Support Coordinator (P/T) Oxfordshire – Volunteer Link-Up (West Oxfordshire)

10 Wesley Walk, Witney, Oxon. OX28 6ZJ

Tel:  07545 923327