Good Care Month - helping to make a positive difference
As the needs of our diverse communities grow we’ve become more conscious of the variety of national awareness days that turn the focus on a range of issues.
A look at the National Awareness Day calendar reminds us that July is Good Care Month, the month where we are mindful of what we can do to support others and the difference it can make to the people in our communities.
Helen Critcher, Community Investment Lead at Golding Homes said, “We appreciate how much the company of others, participation in events and experiencing new hobbies and other opportunities can have a positive effect on wellbeing; that’s why we’re proud to support local initiatives that provide valuable services that aid the wellbeing of individuals and communities across Kent and Medway.
“The Heart of Kent Hospice Compassionate Neighbour project is an initiative that we have helped with funding and we know that some of our customers have been supported by this project”, she added.
Building genuine friendships with local people - Compassionate Neighbours (Heart of Kent Hospice)
Becoming a Compassionate Neighbour is a rewarding role in which volunteers build genuine friendships with local people who are socially isolated. Volunteers are fully trained and asked to give just 1 to 2 hours a week to offer friendship and support to a person who is affected by terminal illness or frailty and experiencing loneliness or social isolation. The project was launched in 2020 and in just one year has recruited and trained over 60 volunteers. To find out more visit the Heart of Kent Hospice website.
Other projects working within our communities include:
Someone to chat to – SafetyNet, a unique befriending service
Sometimes we just need someone to chat to, when the sound of another voice helps to improve the moment, hour or the day. For many who are disabled or have a long-term illness and are isolated being able to chat to someone can make the world of difference. The SafetyNet Telephone Befriending service run by CILK (Centre for Independent Living Kent) provides telephone support, information, advice and signposting to isolated, disabled people in Kent. A team of trained volunteers make regular calls to check on their welfare and help them find and connect with sources of support with things like food, safety, health and social activities. Feedback has been great with appreciation from those receiving calls and volunteers expressing how rewarding and mutually beneficial being a Telephone Befriender has been. If you would like to find out more, know a person who could benefit from support from the project or would like to volunteer, contact the project by email at safetynet@cilk.org.uk
Themed online activities designed to enjoy at home - Royal Voluntary Service
At the beginning of the pandemic the Royal Voluntary Service developed “the Virtual Village Hall” for people to access lots of activities for free such as art, cookery, exercise and even new technology skills. The themed online activities are designed to be enjoyed from home. You can find out more on the Royal Voluntary Service website.