Could you be a Good Neighbour Volunteer? Could you spare a couple of hours a week to make a big difference in the life of someone in your community who is housebound? If so, you could join the friendly Good Neighbour Support Volunteer team, which provides help for others with roles such as collecting shopping and prescriptions and providing a friendly face for someone who may be lonely. It’s a rewarding role and chance to be part of a team, which provides excellent ongoing support for volunteers, including a full induction. There are also regular opportunities to meet other members of the volunteer team for a chat over tea, coffee and cake. Many volunteers say becoming a Good Neighbour volunteer has enriched their own lives. Suzanne, who has shopped for an elderly gentleman and visits a housebound lady for friendly conversation, said: “With too much time on my hands I decided to offer whatever talents I might have to the very worthwhile Good Neighbours’ volunteering service. “So far, I’ve learned tips and hints from a chef and been humbled by the stoicism of lady who was dealt a very cruel medical blow, plus the bonus of gaining two new friends so far. I will continue to spread the word to influence others to volunteer to enhance a life – and certainly one’s own.” David, who has visited many different residents, covering for other volunteers in the team when they are away, said that since becoming a Good Neighbour Volunteer he’s learned about various diets and allergies, sought out new and often elusive products, shared recipes, stories and histories and even picked up tips on cooking, cleaning and growing things. He said: “The positive feedback and thanks received from people are fantastic rewards, making me feel valued and needed. We have regular, informal get-togethers where complimentary coffee and cake are welcome, tangible recognition of our effective teamwork. “Being a volunteer is truly amazing in the way in which it so often gives back way more than is given out. I thoroughly recommend it!” Former nurse Gail, who shops for an elderly couple, says becoming a volunteer has played a big role in restoring her own confidence after being affected by long COVID. She said: “I was apprehensive as I’d lost all faith and confidence in my abilities, but this was an opportunity to try something new, that could be of value. “Having been placed with two separate people and started visiting, I quickly felt a rapport with them and was amazed at how much better and lighter I felt in myself. “Whilst actively listening and hearing them, I was able to forget about perceived problems of my own. “Concentrating on their needs and being privileged to enter their homes and shop for them put my life firmly in perspective and has given me more than I feel I could ever offer them. It keeps me active, engaged and I really look forward to my visits. “The opportunity to discuss each visit afterwards with a co-ordinator provides valuable time for reflection. “I feel incredibly privileged to have this opportunity to be involved in such a worthwhile, important and valuable service in the community and it has opened up a new chapter in my life, for which I will always be grateful. I am loving life again.” If you’re interested in joining this wonderful team of Good Neighbour Support Volunteers then please go to Good Neighbour Support Volunteer | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK or scan the QR code below, for further information and the application form, or, if you’d prefer to talk to us to find out more then please email us at [email protected], sending us your phone number, and we’ll get right back to you.