A Hastingwood hospice is training volunteers to support socially isolated individuals.

Social isolation has always been an issue, especially for elderly residents, however it has been exacerbated this year by the coronavirus pandemic.

St Clare Hospice, has secured £5,000 funding from Epping Forest District Council to support the work of its compassionate neighbours project.

The project matches volunteers to socially isolated people, encouraging the building of genuine friendships through weekly visits or phone calls.

Epping-based compassionate neighbour, Delia, has been apart of the scheme for more than two years.

“I initially joined as I enjoy talking to people,” Delia explained.

Delia was matched with Peggy, who lived in Epping. Due to the limitations around Covid-19, Delia and Peggy’s relationship was conducted entirely over the telephone – but because of the project Delia was able to bring friendship into the life of a local Epping resident who was nearing the end of her life.

“We never met, but from day one it was like we had known each other for years. The conversations just flowed and we were never lost for words. We could be on the phone for over an hour some weeks,” explained Delia. “I heard about her happy life, from childhood to adulthood.”

Sadly, Peggy died recently but her daughter, Debbie, explained how valuable the friendship with Delia had been.

“My mum got so much out of talking to Delia and really enjoyed their time on the phone together. It was just a shame they never got to meet. However, not meeting didn’t make a difference to their friendship, they got on like they had always known each other.”

Delia added, “The short time we were telephone buddies was a happy and pleasurable time for us both.”

"We’re so grateful for this vital funding which will help us to continue changing local people’s lives throughout the area, tackling loneliness and social isolation amongst those who are living with a life-limiting illness or experiencing frailty due to older age,” explained Stacey Towler, Compassionate Neighbours project manager at St Clare Hospice.

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