Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) is reaching out to volunteers.
Coordinating a successful Good Neighbour Scheme, they match volunteers with isolated older people across Sheffield to combat loneliness and are looking for volunteers based in (or can travel to) S5, S6, S12, S2, S8 and S13. Across this area, there are 55 older people currently awaiting a friend.
Lynn Smith, SCCCC’s volunteer recruitment officer, said: “Our older people have fascinating stories to tell and our volunteers often tell us they enjoy getting to know them, getting back more than what they give.
“Everyone deserves to have some company and our volunteers give their time and care so generously to make a difference.”
Rob Southern has been volunteering with a gentleman called John for nine months. He said: “I get a sense that I’ve made a difference – John is very explicit about how much he enjoys the visits. Because I see him for only an hour each week, it’s amazing how so little from me makes such a difference. It’s so important, we’re all going to be there one day and we might need that kind of support.”
