The Good Neighbours Scheme is a befriending and support scheme intended for older people (65+) who live alone and who suffer the effects of social and emotional isolation. The scheme operates in the city of Portsmouth.

The scheme provides befriending either by way of a volunteer who will visit and older person on a regular basis (Visitation service) or a volunteer who will telephone an older person on a regular basis (Early Bird service). The Good Neighbours team are able to provide valuable information to service users and volunteers on a wide range of subjects that concern older people.

Currently the scheme supports over 200 older people city wide, this is made possible by a team of over 100 volunteers.

Under the umbrella of the Good Neighbours scheme is the home shopper service. Please click here for more information on the home shopper service.

The Good Neighbours Scheme has recently featured on ITV's This Morning, Meridian Television's Tonight news programme and featured in the Womans Own magazine, The Times and Guardian newspapers.

The Good Neighbours Scheme continues to hold the Approved Provider Standard from the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. The Approved Provider Standard (APS) is a national benchmark for organisations providing one-to-one, volunteer mentoring or befriending. It is a national award supported by the Home Office and Department for Education and Skills and aims to provide programmes with a badge of competence and safe practice in mentoring or befriending.

Click here to go to the 'Guide to Services' page

Click here to find out about 'Volunteer Opportunities' with Good Neighbours

  
                                               
Approved Provider Status,
The Mentoring & Befriending Foundation