Oakhaven Neighbours provide a friendly helping hand to patients
'Oakhaven Neighbours' are volunteers who support Oakhaven patients at home. This important team offers companionship and lends a helping hand with everyday tasks that can become overwhelming when navigating a life-limiting illness.
Neighbours are highly trained and supported by the clinical team at Oakhaven Hospice. They get involved with a variety of things, for example, picking up prescriptions, light shopping, gardening, accompanying for walks, and companionship or maybe sitting with a patient so that the carer can take a much-needed break, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is in good hands.
Ken, an Oakhaven patient, has written a number of books over the years but even with voice recognition it is becoming increasingly difficult. Sally, an Oakhaven neighbour, started visiting him in April 2025 to help prepare the manuscript for his book 'Tales Out Of The Blue'. This collection of short stories was self published in August 2025. The weekly visits have continued, and the second collection is well on the way. They both enjoy sharing the tales based on Ken's vivid imagination and many experiences in his life.
'Neighbours is a splendid element of Oakhaven's work'
Jerry, an Oakhaven Neighbour, explains how he first got involved as an Oakhaven Neighbour:
"In the late Spring of 2024 I found I had a little time on my hands, so arranged to become a 'Neighbour' with Oakhaven Hospice, and subsequently met Bill, an Oakhaven patient in Dibden Purlieu. Since then, we have met weekly for an hour or so, during which we discuss everything under the sun and generally put the world to rights. Bill's great passion is aviation, and my RAF background ensures we have a lot in common, but rarely does a topic arise that we can't resolve. Bill, I know, enjoys our sessions, and I most certainly do. An hour spent in his company is a real pleasure, as is, of course, the arrival halfway through them of his delightful wife with tea and Jammie Dodgers! Neighbours is a splendid element of Oakhaven's work. I wish I had been involved in it earlier."
Become an Oakhaven Neighbours Volunteer and be a part of something special
Do you have a couple of hours to spare to help someone locally with the shopping, take them for a coffee or maybe stay at home with them whilst their carer goes out to run an errand?
Being an Oakhaven Neighbour is incredibly rewarding. You will be giving something back to the community in a way that is hugely appreciated by patients and their families.
"Being a Neighbour means I can help others less fortunate than myself", said Geoff.
"I get back as much as I give", commented Linda, "it's a commitment, but provides a great sense of purpose."
Click here to find out more about becoming an Oakhaven Neighbour. If you would like to know more about the programme, please get in touch with Sara Thomas by email at neighbours@oakhavenhospice.co.uk
There are many ways you could volunteer for Oakhaven
We are so grateful to our family of over 425 volunteers, who give their time and energy to support Oakhaven, bringing a wealth of experience along with their commitment in wanting to help others and make a difference.
When people ask what they could do as a volunteer for Oakhaven Hospice, the short answer is "almost anything". Volunteers support our work in every department. As well as Oakhaven Neighbours, volunteers also support patients in our Inpatient Unit, with our Therapy team, in our Day Hospice, in the Coates Centre, in our shops and retail donation centre, at events and out in the community as Awareness Volunteers.
Whether you have an occasional half an hour or would like to get involved more regularly, there'll be something for you! It's a great way to develop new skills, meet new friends and be a part of a worthwhile community cause.
Click here to find out more about becoming part of the Oakhaven family of volunteers and get in touch for more information on 01590 646447 or by email at volunteering@oakhavenhospice.co.uk.
Many thanks to all Oakhaven Volunteers - in the hospice, in patients homes, in our shops, at events and helping to raise awareness in the community.
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