Basingstoke NeighbourCare

01256 423855

Supporting older people: car lifts to appointments: Cafes: handy home jobs

Basingstoke NeighbourCare, run by volunteer trustees, is a charity offering 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
Social isolation is very depressing and with an ever-growing elderly population we help by providing 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. 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 elderly 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.
Picture: Generous donation cheque from a local charity shop.

Volunteers needed

Drivers with own car available 2 hours a week or more to take clients to medical appointment for example. Befrienders to visit client once a week. DBS check required. Travel expenses reimbursed.

What your gift could provide

£30

Home visits to 6 new clients

£40

Volunteer training and safeguarding advice

£50

session costs of our three Cafes

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

Basingstoke NeighbourCare

Telephone: 01256 423855

Address: The Orchard, White Hart Lane, BASINGSTOKE Hampshire RG21 4AF

Established in: 1997