Over the past two years, Cosyfeet and its customers have been raising funds to support a vital service for older people in North Somerset.
Run by national volunteering organisation, Royal Voluntary Service, the North Somerset Community Companions (formerly Good Neighbours) service offers caring, friendly support to older people – helping them remain independent and engaged with their community.
Community Companions service user, Irene Minton with her Christmas Hamper
This service makes a real difference to an older person living alone and is reliant on the amazing contribution of 80 Royal Voluntary Service volunteers. Our tireless volunteers have gifted thousands of hours over the last two years to provide older people in North Somerset with valuable company and friendship as well as ensuring they stay safe and well.
Hundreds of older people have been referred to the service by their GPs, who identify those most at risk of ending up in hospital within a year. Volunteers then spend an hour or so a week, either in person or over the phone in the older person’s company. They also often help with small jobs in the home, weekly shopping and collecting prescriptions as well as signposting to local community amenities.
Generous donations from Cosyfeet, totalling in excess of £15,000, have helped Royal Voluntary Service raise awareness of the availability of Community Companions to people locally, as well as to recruit the all-important volunteers. It has also enabled the charity to expand the service’s reach within North Somerset and help more people in need. Volunteers have also benefitted through staying active, with many fostering some great new friendships along the way.
A big thank you to everyone that has donated – your support has made a life-changing difference to many older people in North Somerset.
