Connecting Communities is a service that brings local people together. This is a free service that engages volunteers to offer 2 hours or more per week for regular support to a cared-for adult over the age of 18 who has low level care needs. 

The service provides a break for a carer as well as offering an opportunity for volunteers to contribute to the local community.

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Volunteers offer companionship with the

person they sit with, by taking part in

activities together such as:

• listening to music

• watching TV

• reading a book or the newspaper

• playing board games

• chatting over a brew

• providing refreshments

This service can be used for anything that gives the carer a break from their caring role, from an appointment or simply having some time to go for a walk or meet friends/family. The service offers sessions that are 2 hours in length once a week. The carer will choose a specific day and time each week (these can be the same every week or differ slightly) that we then match with an appropriate volunteer. We then arrange for the carer, cared-for and volunteer to meet before sessions begin.

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Volunteers will NOT be required to undertake personal care, moving and handling or administer medication.

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All volunteers go through the organisational recruitment process. References are taken up along with a Criminal Records check (DBS). Specific training is delivered to all volunteers within this service. Volunteers are then matched with the person you care for to make sure they have something in common.

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Real carer and volunteer feedback:

Naz, Volunteer - “I enjoy interacting with other people and feel happy when I can make a difference to someone’s life.”

Anonymous, Carer - “Naz has been friendly, reliable and liked cooking for us [in addition to this volunteering role]. Naz supports in talking to my wife, and helping to add to her friendships.”

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If you would like to volunteer with us, please call our Volunteer Co-ordinator

on 01254 387444 or fill in the online form by clicking here.