Watford’s Peace Hospice has been given a share of over £110,000 as contribution to a new project that provides care and support for people at the end of their lives
The ‘Herts Neighbours Network’ scheme will be delivered by the Peace Hospice in partnership with Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, Hertfordshire County Council, and the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted. Volunteers will provide companionship and emotional support such as helping people to use social media to reconnect with distant loved ones.
Director of Patient Services at Peace Hospice Care, Jackie Tritton, said “working together, this funding will play a huge part in gaining greater support to patients, in particular to those who wish to die at home.
“Nationally, the wish to die at home is shared by around 70% of the population but unfortunately in West Hertfordshire, figures do fall below the national average of patients dying in their own home. Volunteers can make a difference in many ways to a patient and their family by doing the everyday tasks such as walking the dog, helping with shopping, providing companionship at appointments or in the home just making a meal”
Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson MP, expressed that he is “delighted to announce the recipients of the Social Action End of Life Fund. Often medical appointments, care needs, and financial considerations can obscure the emotional needs that people face at the end of their lives.”
The Herts Neighbours Network project is part of a wider set of seven social action schemes which aim to tackle loneliness and isolation across the country. A total of £800,000 has been provided by the Cabinet Office.
David Praill, Chief Executive of Hospice UK, said “all of these valuable projects harness the power of volunteers to provide befriending and practical support for people approaching the end of their lives. People facing this situation can often feel very isolated. This type of support can help them feel more connected and can make all the difference to their wellbeing and quality of life.”
Written by Mollie Malone.
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