Does your village have a Good Neighbour Scheme?

WHAT is a Good Neighbour Scheme? Good Neighbour Schemes are local voluntary groups which offer a service in their community for those in need of help and support. The people who may need support may be older people, people with disabilities, single parents and young mothers, those temporarily in need through illness or anyone who may be isolated within the community.

The help offered by Good Neighbour Schemes may include:

? Providing transport for appointments or
hospital visits
? Errands, shopping a collecting prescriptions
? Household tasks or gardening
? Visiting or befriending
? Letter-writing or simple form filling
? Helping people after discharge from hospital
? Reading to partially sighted or blind people
? Providing information

Where the scheme is available to the community is well-used and highly valued by the residents.

?I am housebound, but my befriender is wonderful. She gets all the right things. She cheers me up?

?As a single woman without family living near I get quite anxious whenever I get ill, wondering how I?m going to get the prescription, my shopping etc. Knowing that there is a Good Neighbour on my street that I can call if I have to have help gives me real comfort and peace of mind?

Would Your Community Like to Have a Good Neighbour Scheme?

Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action is currently running a project Funded by Oxfordshire CC with the aim of supporting local communities to establish new schemes. A limited number of start-up grants are available to allow communities to meet the costs of setting up- buying a mobile phone, public liability cover and publicity material. (These grants will be available on a first-come, first-served basis). For further information please contact Liz on the contact details below.

Funding to Develop Existing Schemes

If your village already runs a Good Neighbour Scheme of any kind, grants may be available to help the scheme extend, diversify or develop. Please contact Liz on the number above.

Establishing a Network of Good Neighbour Schemes.

Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action is supporting Good Neighbour Schemes by setting up a Network to enable schemes to share good practice, experiences and advice. To join, please contact Liz on the number above, or alternatively send an email.

Liz Pride on 01865 251946 or email: liz.pride@ocva.org.uk

Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action
The Old Court House
Floyds Row
St.Aldates
Oxford
OX1 1SS