Wheathampstead Community Group – Our Autumn Update by David Johnston (Chair)

Lots has been going on with the WCG! Our Companionship Network has been busy helping members of our community who are lonely and in need of companionship. Residents may need companionship for various reasons – maybe a recent bereavement, friends moved away or they just feel isolated and lonely. When we hear their story, we aim to match them to a befriending volunteer. Befriending allows the resident and volunteer to meet regularly in a companionable way.

At the moment we have 8 residents matched with befrienders making a big difference to their lives.  One resident reported, the service has given him “a new lease of life” – while a befriender explained, “I am literally the only person he has now… when I grow old, I would like to think someone would take the time to be my friend, to keep an eye out on my behalf”. Unfortunately, we have more residents in need of support than we have volunteers, so are always looking for new companions.

At another level, our ever-popular Transport Service has continued taking residents who may no longer be able to drive themselves or who are unable to use public transport, to and from medical appointments.  In the past year, we have completed 466 journeys to local hospitals, GP surgeries, opticians, and other health practices.

We delivered stationery packs to our primary school leavers prior to their moves to secondary school and we are planning winter activities including Santa’s Grotto for Lights-Up, Santa’s sleigh runs and, of course, our Singalong just before Christmas.

Your Community Group is run entirely by volunteers and we rely on residents like you to help. Feel free to contact me directly on 07774 211933, by email at chair@wheathampsteadwcg.org or visit www.wheathampsteadwcg.org.