Compassionate Neighbours
Compassionate Neighbours: Community Support That Makes a Difference
Compassionate Neighbours is a community-led volunteer programme offering emotional and social support to Community Members, people living with a life-limiting illness who are feeling lonely and socially isolated and want to connect more with others
This social movement is all about compassion. It empowers local people to build stronger, more connected communities—one relationship at a time.
What We Offer – Free of Charge
Our personalised ‘menu of support’ is designed to meet a variety of needs and includes:
- 🤝 One-to-one support from a trained Compassionate Neighbour
- 🌿 Wellbeing groups and social activities to reduce loneliness and encourage connection
- 🕰️ Respite sitting service – giving carers a much-needed break
- 🔄 Time-limited transition support – for people recently discharged from the hospice or those who are bereaved
- 🧭 Support for young people moving into adult palliative care services
Click here to view our weekly schedule.
What our community members say
“He came round yesterday. He was here for over an hour and 15 minutes. I told him this was the first time in 11 days I’d had contact with another human being. We had loads in common—we talked about sport. He was brilliant.”
“We hit it off straight away because she didn’t assume I was a dotty old lady. We have a similar sense of humour and views. I live on my own and have always been strong and independent, so people assume I’m ok and don’t check in. We go out together and talk on the phone—when I’m with her, I feel like me again.”
Looking for support?
If you or someone you know could benefit from Compassionate Neighbours, take a look at our Compassionate Neighbours leaflet to learn more.
For Health & Social Care Professionals
If you’re a professional looking to refer someone to the programme:
- Download and complete the referral form
- Email it to our team at: 📧 nlondonhospice.cn@nhs.net
💚 Could You Support Someone in Your Community?
We’re always looking for more Compassionate Neighbours—local people who are willing to give their time, friendship, and support to others.
The first step is to join our free training course, designed to build your confidence and skills so you can support people living with a life-limiting illness to stay connected to their community.
You’ll hear inspiring stories from existing Compassionate Neighbours and learn about the different ways you can get involved.
🤝 What Do Compassionate Neighbours Do?
After training, you can choose how you’d like to be involved —whether it’s one-to-one support, helping with a group, or simply connecting through shared interests.
Our Compassionate Neighbours offer:
- Regular visits or phone calls
- Friendship, emotional support, and a listening ear
- Shared activities, like walking, chatting over tea, or crafting
- Help to stay connected with the community, family and friends
🌟 What you can gain from volunteering as a Compassionate Neighbour
Becoming a Compassionate Neighbour is rewarding and flexible. You can:
- Make a real difference to someone who may be feeling isolated
- Meet new people and form genuine friendships
- Gain new skills and personal development opportunities
- Join a supportive network of Compassionate Neighbours in your local area
- Be part of a growing social movement of compassion and care
No experience is needed, and the role is designed to fit around your other commitments.
🟢 You must be aged 18 or over to volunteer
💬 What Our Compassionate Neighbours Say
“This for me has been the most wonderful involvement. I simply want to say how proud I am to be involved with Compassionate Neighbours.”
“I find the interactions very heartening, and it takes me out of myself. I have formed real friendships and find all my connections such interesting people. Bringing things like this into the community is so important, and I’m so impressed by this initiative.”
“I feel fortunate to be a Compassionate Neighbour — it has changed my way of thinking exponentially.”
🎓 Ready to Get Started?
We run regular training sessions throughout the year.
📋 Register your interest by filling in our short application form, and we’ll be in touch with details about the next course.
You can also contact our team:
📧 cn@northlondonhospice.co.uk
📞 0800 368 7848
