Good Neighbours Groups

Good Neighbours Groups (sometimes called Neighbourcare groups or Care groups) are independent voluntary groups which offer neighbourly help to people in their local communities. Each group recruits volunteers from within the local community and establishes its own priorities and activities.

Although the groups vary in their size and resourcing, all are keenly involved in meeting the needs of people in their local community.

Some groups specialise in one activity while others offer a range of services; shopping, visiting, befriending, running lunch clubs, sitting services, collecting prescriptions, driving people to GP and hospital appointments, walking the dog, and minor repairs. For a full list of Good Neighbours Groups and the services they provide please go to DIRECTORY section on the website.

Good Neighbours Support Service (formerly the Hampshire Voluntary Care Groups Advisory Service)

We at the Good Neighbours Support Service provide information, guidance, development and support to the 100-plus independent voluntary groups in Hampshire, enabling them to provide a dependable and trustworthy service.

The groups offer neighbourly help to people in their local communities, enabling people to stay independent in their own homes and helping to prevent isolation.

What do we offer?

* Support from a dedicated local Area Good Neighbours Groups Adviser
* Information and Resources
* Opportunities to meet other Good Neighbours Groups
* Regular information and training days
* Insurance offered free of charge, (covers public liability, employee liability, personal accident, loss of money)
* Free checks for your volunteers, (where relevant), to protect your clients
* Free publications; Good Neighbours Groups Directory, Volunteer Handbook, publicity and recruitment leaflet
* Free Resource Pack and Golden Rules checklist
* Annual grants to small groups as well as start up and special grants
* Presentations to raise awareness, campaigning and networking with other agencies
* Help to develop new groups or services
* A useful website with regular updates: www.goodneighbours.org.uk

The Good Neighbours Support Service is sponsored by the Church of England Dioceses of Winchester, Guildford and Portsmouth and supported by Hampshire County Council Adult Services and NHS Hampshire.

Chandlers Ford Good Neighbours

• Shopping for or with someone.

• Transport to local medical and dental appointments.

• Other essential trips.

• Visiting and befriending.

Telephone: the Co-ordinator on 07914 757380