4 Ways 2 Warmth Good Neighbour Scheme

27 January 2012

As part of the 4 ways to warmth project the Rural Community Council is extending its network of Good Neighbours Schemes across the counties of Leicestershire & Rutland.

Good Neighbours Schemes are operated by small groups of committed volunteers who provide an ‘on call’ service to vulnerable people. Good Neighbours schemes may help with a range of different support for local people from providing transport, to carrying out practical help or just calling in to check on lonely people for a chat.

The RCC Good Neighbours Network

Anyone can become involved with starting up a Good Neighbours Scheme and the RCC will provide a guide to setting up groups as well as practical support with help and advice on policies, CRB checks, insurance, guidance, practical support and getting volunteers. Each group offers a range of support to suit the needs of their own community and the ability of their volunteers. The support offered may include,

Shopping

Transport to appointments (medical and social)

Outings

Reading/writing letters

Accessing hot meals

Collecting prescriptions

Befriending

Groups vary in size but all provide an invaluable service to their local community. Through offering neighbourly support within their communities the groups enable people to live independently in their community helping them to stay safe and ensuring that they do not become socially and emotionally isolated.

RCC Support

The RCC will actively seek to encourage Parish Councils and community groups to promote the start up of locally run schemes.

They will support Good Neighbours schemes to set up, by providing advice and guidance, information and contacts, access to grant schemes and advice on applications. The RCC will provide access to similar schemes and welcome the new volunteers into the network of Good Neighbours Schemes in the area. The RCC can provide constitutions, advice on insurance and policies, publicity materials and contacts, signposting to other sources of help and support and will give a general advice service.

Communities will be invited to set up small groups within their settlements and, to identify volunteers who may be able to offer assistance to anyone needing help. These networks will be given the opportunity to meet up and share best practice.

Training and support

Good Neighbours Volunteers will be offered training opportunities and invitations to awareness raising events that will enable them to enhance their skills and ensure that they are able to keep abreast of changes in the services provided as cuts to local services become more severe.

Contact

Please contact the RCC for more information dcook@ruralcc.org.uk 0116 2689706