Helping to decrease feelings of isolation

A service that provides support to those over 50 by connecting them with their community in an attempt to decrease feelings of isolation has helped more than 400 people since its launch last year.

Volunteers at Community Navigators Bristol help people who are feeling outcast to gain the confidence to get more involved around where they live.

This could include a home visit and a chance to accompany them in trying something new in their local area.

Older people may also be helped with their garden after their husband or wife has died, or introduced to a coffee morning, lunch club, housing options, and pointed to financial support and counselling.

Community Navigators volunteers aim to support lonely older people

“Volunteering has been really rewarding,” said Tony, a Community Navigator volunteer from Fishponds.

“I like getting to understand the person I’m supporting and see them change – and want to change.

“Some people I meet haven’t been out of the house for three months. Even walking with someone to the bus stop can help them believe that this is what their life could be like.

“I was definitely nervous when I first started. How would people respond to this old chap knocking on their door? But experience and some supportive training have given me confidence to sit down with the person and set some goals together.

“This is what life is about: meeting people, exchanging feelings and sharing some laughter.”

One 66-year-old woman is seeing the results first-hand after being referred to the service in north Bristol by her GP.

She said: “Community Navigators is an absolutely amazing service. I was living alone after my husband passed away, and I was feeling very isolated, low and depressed. I didn’t go out at all.

“But when my Community Navigator made contact I felt like I could talk to her without being judged… It was a relief to have someone to hold my hand while I took baby steps. It made it easier for me to try things on my own.”

Community Navigators coordinators Gemma Holden and Laura Thacker are calling for more people to volunteet

Now – in conjunction with The Marmalade Trust’s Loneliness Awareness Week which takes place between June 18 and June 22 – the service is calling for more people to volunteer in order to give isolated older people the aid that they need.

Laura Thacker and Gemma Holden, Community Navigator coordinators, said: “You’ll get to make a life-changing difference to the wellbeing of local people, develop some new professional skills, become a valued member of our vibrant volunteer network, and meet lots of interesting people.”

All volunteers will be given friendly support and training to help them make a success of their role, and the hours are flexible.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer yourself or if you would like to make a referral to the service, contact:

• Central, East or South Bristol: Gemma on 0117 440 9100 or community.navigators@nhs.net
• North Bristol: Laura on 0117 9515751 or laura.t@northbristoladvice.org.uk

For more information, visit www.communitynavigators.org.uk