Would You Make An Ideal Community Connector To Help Older People?

Published on: 17 Dec, 2012
Updated on: 17 Dec, 2012

A new project to enable older people in the north Guildford area to be better connected with their community is being launched, and at the same time offers a rather special opportunity for volunteering.

Community Connectors co-ordinator Denise Graves.

The project is called Community Connectors and its co-ordinator is Denise Graves. She says that, for many reasons, as we age we may become more lonely and isolated. Our special skills and abilities may not be used and yet we still have much to contribute.

It is recognised that sometimes, as we move through later life, we experience rapid changes in health or finances, or those of our families, and life can be difficult to navigate. Community Connectors aims to connect with those people who may be at risk, or have experienced loneliness and isolation, with activities, services or maybe something new.

Denise said: “The project will run in the Westborough, Park Barn, Stoughton and Stoke areas of Guildford. I am looking to recruit eight volunteers who are older people and who would like to become a Community Connector.

“Someone who may be interested will be friendly, non-judgmental and be able to maintain trust and confidentiality.

“The ideal person will be interested in helping other older people to become more connected with their local community and services and be sensitive to loneliness and isolation.

“They will be able to commit approximately two half days per week to the project and they do not need to have their own transport as that can be provided.”

The project is being funded by Surrey Healthy Homes and run by Voluntary Action South West Surrey. Denise, who was previously a chief officer at Age Concern Waverley for six years, would love to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer. She said: “Give me a call and we can arrange to have a chat about what’s required. There will be no commitment at that stage.

“Also, call me if you know of someone else who may be an ideal Community Connector, or you may know someone who would benefit from this service.

“There is definitely a good deal of satisfaction to be had for those who volunteer and those you will be helping. You will be getting out and about and providing an important support role. Simply by just talking and trusting someone is a great two-way thing.”

If you are interested, call Denise Graves at Voluntary Action South West Surrey on 01483 504626, or on her mobile 0782541704.

Email: d.graves@vasws.org.uk

Voluntary Action South West Surrey is an independent charity funded by local authorities and the NHS to support, develop and promote voluntary and community involvement across the boroughs of Guildford and Waverley. It is based at 39 Castle Street, Guildford GU1 3UQ. Click here for its website.