Compassionate Neighbours wins ‘Big Lottery’ grant

The recently launched local community scheme has been selected to receive a £10,000 grant from The Big Lottery Fund. Brentor & Moor Compassionate Neighbours scheme is the first of its kind in Devon and Cornwall and it works closely with St Luke’s Hospice, Tavistock Area Support Services, and the statutory health sector, as part of an integrated approach to the support of individuals who are either living with a serious long-term condition, suffering from a life-limiting illness, or approaching the end of life.

“This grant award is wonderful news”, says Mark Alderson, the project’s co-ordinator. “It will ensure that the scheme can now get onto a secure footing for the year ahead, allowing our volunteers to support this very vulnerable section of our community”. The service is completely free, run entirely by volunteers, and receives no funding from the public purse. Its aim is to help this vulnerable group of people to remain in their own homes, with trained volunteers offering company and support, as well as reporting any concerns or changes in the individual’s condition or needs. If the right care can continue to be delivered in the community, unnecessary hospital admissions can be avoided towards the end of life, enabling these individuals to maximise their quality of life and spend this precious time in their own home.

The next Compassionate Neighbours volunteer training is due to take place in March. Anyone interested is asked to contact the co-ordinator on 01822 860799 for an informal chat. More information can be found on the website www.bmcneighbours.org