One-to-One

ASSIST has a team of volunteers who visit housebound older people on a regular basis. They will visit for a chat and a cup of tea, and maybe play a game of scrabble or even help to write letters. Whilst the volunteers are not able to do specific tasks such as cleaning, washing or personal care, they will provide friendly support on an ongoing basis. Lots of lasting friendships have been struck up during one-to-ones.

Here are a few stories from one-to-one (some details and all names have been changed to protect confidentiality):

Dilys started to visit Mary when she came out of hospital. Eventually Mary was moved to a residential home and Dilys continued to visit her regularly and became a valued friend and support. Dilys continued to visit Mary when she was transferred to hospital with a terminal illness, and was able to provide support and comfort in her last days.

David visits William at his sheltered housing complex. William was homeless and has no friends in the area. He has very limited mobility and is unable to go out without considerable assistance. David and his wife take him out for the day and invite him to their house to share Sunday lunch etc. They also keep an eye on his needs.

Jean visits Vanessa, an independent lady of 87, who has no living relatives. Jean takes her to hospital appointments, listens to her problems and has become a trusted and valuable friend and through her support Vanessa continues to be able to live independently.