SOUTHAMPTON folk with some spare time are being called upon to sign up to become ‘activity buddies’ for a charity aiming to eradicate loneliness in the city (October 2022).
Communicare is looking for people to help the lonely and isolated it supports to become more physically active and this could include simply accompanying someone on a walk.
Annie Clewlow, Manager at Communicare, said: “As part of our recruitment drive for volunteers, we’re looking for people who can spare some time to act as a buddy to the individuals we support who are lonely and/or isolated through a mobility difficulty, learning or physical disability, mental health issues or challenging social circumstances and help them to access opportunities to become more physically active.
“The hours are flexible, allowing volunteers to help with regular activities or ‘one-off’ opportunities when available. Volunteers can select the types of tasks that they are willing to undertake, and these could include providing transport to and from activities, including waiting for the service user while they take part or, in some circumstances, it may be appropriate to join in with the activity alongside the service user.
“We’re also looking for volunteers to travel with groups of service users on a ‘chartered’ minibus to provide support and aid the smooth running of trips, to travel on public transport with a service user or small group of service users to give them confidence in making the journey, accompanying service users on a walk in their local area or attending an activity alongside a service user.
“Any volunteers offering transport would need to have their own car, which must be fully insured. We’re keen to hear from individuals who can help, even if they have just an afternoon here and there to spare.
“Volunteering is such a worthwhile and rewarding thing to do and anyone interested should get in touch by calling us on 023 8250 0050. We can even offer a video conference chat where you can speak to one of our Volunteer Coordinators and ask any questions you might have before signing up.”
Communicare currently has around 300 Communiteers and has launched a campaign to substantially increase this number to be able to support more people through all the services it offers.
Communiteers are offered simple and basic training on topics such as safeguarding, manual handling and developing listening skills. They can choose their level of involvement and the types of activities they wish to engage in too.
Support provided is at a neighbourly level and Communicare does not offer professional, personal care, which can be given by statutory providers, or routine cleaning or gardening.
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of lonely and isolated people in and around Southampton.
Its services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
The charity is currently supporting more than 600 individuals/families through tasks including one-to-one telephone befriending and transport for essential appointments and assistance with shopping.
The services Communicare provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.
To find out more about Communicare or becoming a Communiteer, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk or call 023 8250 0050.
