The Myton Hospices is celebrating six months of its Compassionate Neighbours Programme and is encouraging both referrals and new volunteers as the service continues to grow across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Recognising that living with a life-limiting illness or coping with bereavement can often lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, The Myton Hospices launched the Compassionate Neighbours Programme earlier this year. The initiative made Myton the first hospice in the Midlands to join the national Compassionate Neighbours network.
The programme aims to reduce loneliness by connecting people with trained volunteers who provide regular companionship, emotional support and opportunities to remain engaged within their local communities.
Over the past six months, Compassionate Neighbours volunteers have been building meaningful relationships with individuals across Coventry and Warwickshire, offering support tailored to each person’s needs. This may include meeting for a chat over a cup of tea, enjoying a walk together, attending local community groups, or simply providing regular social contact and friendship.
As the programme continues to expand, The Myton Hospices is encouraging referrals from anyone who may benefit from the service. Referrals can be made by healthcare professionals, community organisations, family members, friends or individuals themselves.
The hospice is also seeking additional volunteers to join its growing Compassionate Neighbours team. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, equipping them with the skills and confidence to provide companionship and help strengthen community connections for those facing challenging circumstances. Even an hour a week can make a huge difference to the charity and those it supports.
Ruth Freeman, Chief Executive Officer of The Myton Hospices, said:
“Social isolation can have a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing, particularly when they are living with a life-limiting illness or following the loss of a loved one. Through our Compassionate Neighbours Programme, we are helping people build meaningful connections and maintain a sense of belonging within their community.
“We are incredibly proud of what the programme has achieved during its first six months and grateful to the volunteers who have helped make it possible. As we continue to grow the service, we would encourage anyone who could benefit from support, or anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, to get in touch.”
The Myton Hospices hopes that by expanding the programme, more people across Coventry and Warwickshire will feel supported, connected and valued within their communities.
For more information about the Compassionate Neighbours Programme or to make a referral, visit www.mytonhospice.org/Compassionate, email Compassionate.Communities@mytonhospice.org or call 01926 838884.
Those interested in volunteering can find out more and apply online at www.mytonhospice.org/Vacancies
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At The Myton Hospices we believe that everyone matters for every single moment of their life; we focus on enhancing life when cure is no longer an option. We are not just about end of life care, we support patients and their loved ones right from the moment they are diagnosed.
We have three hospices in Coventry, Rugby and Warwick, and we care for people aged 18+ living with a wide range of life-limiting illnesses including Respiratory, Heart & Neurological conditions, Cancer and Organ failure.
At Myton, demand for our Inpatient Units has increased by 11% in the last 12 months, and too many people are dying on the waiting list for this vital service. As the only provider of Hospice Inpatient Beds in Coventry and Warwickshire, we are acutely aware of the need for more, but are limited in what we can provide due to funding constraints.
It costs over £15 million every year to provide our services free of charge to our patients and their loved ones. As a charity, with less than 20% of our funding coming from the NHS, we must raise more than £12 million this year. We rely on donations and support from our local communities.
Find out more online at www.mytonhospice.org
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