Basingstoke NeighbourCare, run by volunteer trustees and our team, offers support to over 500 older people throughout Basingstoke. Our volunteer car drivers take older people, many with limited mobility, to medical appointments, chiropodists, opticians, social and exercise clubs, to shops and social activities. We are always there at the end of a medical appointment to take them home after perhaps a stressful experience. Our vulnerable clients trust us to take care of them and are greatly cheered by the companionship our driver or befriender can provide on a car journey, or in their home, or at our 3 weekly Community Cafes. Picture: Volunteer car drivers with their long service awards.

Why the community needs us
With an ever-growing older population we provide volunteers to support lonely and isolated members of the community. Many of those we help would find it challenging to reach a medical appointment or social club as they find it risky to go out without a reassuring arm. Our three cafes offer a warm, friendly and relaxed place to get together for a cuppa, bacon roll, slice of cake, music entertainment, bingo, Curling and the listening ear of our Community Officer and trained volunteers. Our Handyperson takes on small jobs such as changing light bulbs or batteries in smoke alarms, repairing or fitting window or door locks. Our gardeners now help to keep lawns and bushes tidy and keep pathways safe . Picture: King's Coronation party in Church Cottage with Mayor.

Our impact on the community
Social inclusion and the ability to go out and about improves wellbeing and encourages a healthy life, keeping mind and body in better shape. This encourages vulnerable and lonely older folk to join in with the wider world and keep living independently and actively.
Our recognition
In June 2020 we received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Please do phone our office and talk to a coordinator about how you might be able to help. We have over 100 volunteers currently and just a few hours a week of your time would mean we will be able to support even more older people. Please call on 01256 423855.
Picture: Generous donation cheque from a local charity shop.