Hospice scheme seeks friends for Shropshire's lonely older people

There is network of volunteers in Shropshire who look out for the frail and vulnerable – and the movement is looking to expand into new towns and villages.

Severn Hospice launched the Compassionate Communities movement in 2010. It sees towns set up their own groups to make sure people are not left alone and without everyday help.

Paul Cronin, Severn Hospice chief executive, said: "We are very proud of how successful it has been in a number of areas across Shropshire.

"For many people becoming frail or living with a long-term illness is not only physically debilitating but can also lead to becoming socially isolated."

Now Bishop's Castle Patients' Group is holding a meeting to set up a group to make sure the town's more isolated and vulnerable are well looked after.

Patients' Group treasurer Jean Rice said: "It's to try and help the frail and vulnerable in the community, who haven't perhaps got family and friends around them.

"It's being a friend to them, perhaps reading a book, going to the theatre with them or helping out if they want little jobs done in the garden, for example. We're just getting a few people together in a room, some to give advice and perhaps some to volunteer.

"There will be a co-ordinator officially appointed next April, if the group gets going, who will place people."

She said anyone was free attend a meeting at Bishop's Castle Community Hospital on Tuesday at 6.30pm to find out more.

Mr Cronin would be talking about the scheme as would Dr Sal Riding of Bishop's Castle Medical Practice, who has also worked with Church Stretton Compassionate Communities, she said.

Mr Cronin said: "People can feel lonely in a town or in the country and such loneliness, over time, may lead to a crisis in someone's health and well-being as they become increasingly isolated from those around them.

"A Compassionate Community is one in which residents support those living with long-term illness to remain active members of the community.

"It doesn't involve providing personal care but rather companionship and a willingness to help the person in practical ways to live their lives more fully.

"The initiative is not run by any one organisation but the community itself with the support of Severn Hospice which provides training and ongoing support for volunteers."