Good Neighbours Schemes
Providing volunteer befrienders to isolated, housebound older people in NW3, Primrose Hill and Chalk Farm.
Age UK Camden runs two Good Neighbours Schemes, one covering the NW3 area, the other covering Chalk Farm and Primrose Hill.
Priority for the scheme will be given to people who are:
- Isolated
- Housebound
- Living with disabilities
- In some cases, have low incomes
The main purpose of the scheme is to provide a befriender. However, volunteers can carry out small tasks such as:
- Accompanying people for walks or to appointments
- Preparation of refreshments
- Reading aloud or assisting with correspondence
Volunteers cannot undertake work that could be considered an essential service, because there is no back-up available should a volunteer not be able to come in on a certain day. Volunteers also cannot undertake activities that are the responsibility of the local authority.
Referrals to the scheme
Referrals can be made from Adult Social Care, GPs, hospitals and other sources, family or self-referrals. If you are interested in becoming a member of either scheme, or to find out more information, please contact the relevant scheme coordinator using the details below. You can also download a PDF of the Good Neighbours leaflet below.
Volunteering for the Good Neighbours schemes
All volunteers are interviewed by the relevant scheme's coordinator and following successful interview, references are verified, criminal records checks are carried out, and appropriate training is arranged by Age UK Camden.
The minimum commitment we expect from our volunteers is one hour per week, although some do more. We ask that new volunteers plan to commit at least 6 months to the scheme.
If you are interested in volunteering as a befriender and supporting an older person, for the NW3 Good Neighbours scheme please contact the Volunteer Manager, and for the Primrose Hill scheme please contact the scheme coordinator, all details below.