The hospice, which is based in Havering-atte-Bower in Essex, will begin the new telephone service in early 2016.
“We are absolutely delighted to have secured this funding from the National Lottery,” said Laura Hill, trusts and grants manager at the hospice.
“Saint Francis Hospice helps around 4,000 people every year affected by life-limiting illness and we know from our surveys that patients, carers and families often feel socially isolated and lonely.
“This telephone service will give people a chance to make new friends and discuss any concerns they may have. At the same time we may be able to put them in touch with services that they are unaware of.”
The service will be available to patients, their families and their carers across the four boroughs served by the hospice; it is hoped that the scheme will reach 600 people a year.
Tes Smith, director of quality and care at the hospice, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to widen our reach to the local community and we are really looking forward to seeing how it will develop.”
Money from the grant will also be used to set up a creative therapy group and provide lunches. Find out more about the services available on the Saint Francis Hospice website.
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