The Good Neighbours Network is comprised of independent volunteer led and run groups that offer medical and social transport, shopping, prescription delivery, social groups befriending amongst other activities across Hampshire. Each group is based within their local community and as such can respond to what their community needs. Some of these groups have been in existence for over 40 years
The Good Neighbours Network is a partnership of Anglican dioceses across Hampshire – Winchester, Portsmouth and Guildford – that formed in the 1970s with the advent of care in the community. There were six groups in 1976, and the network has now grown to over 120 groups across the whole of Hampshire. These groups have been of invaluable support this year to people who have been self-isolating and shielding during the COVID-19 lockdown due to their ability to be responsive to local need.
The Good Neighbours Network acts as a central hub for these voluntary care groups. The small Network team (consisting of the Team Leader and a Network Support Adviser) offer guidance and training to GN groups on good governance, volunteer recruitment and safeguarding, and ensure that there are regular networking opportunities. The Network team encourages peer mentoring between groups and continues to facilitate a shift away from more traditional models of conventional voluntary sector organisations and the “service provision” approach that does not fit with these independent self-organised groups of volunteers.
Nearly 6,000 Good Neighbours dedicated, inspiring and selfless volunteers offered over 185,000 acts of kindness in 2020.
New groups are always welcome!
E: info@hampshire.goodneighbours.org.uk
T: 023 9289 9671 (Monday to Thursday)