“The Kew shopping trips are certainly a success, and S is a super man, always with a smile and a good sense of humour!”
Become a registered client with Richmond Good Neighbours so that you can ask for our help when you need us.
Contact us to discuss how we can help you or your family member
Transport
We can help with driving to medical appointments, regular trips to the hairdresser and to the social events that we organise.
Shopping
We can do your shopping for you and deliver your groceries straight to your door.
Befriending
We can give you a call over on the phone, pop in for a cup of tea, or take you out into Richmond.
We are happy to provide these services on a regular basis (for example, weekly) or on a more ad-hoc basis. We do not provide any form of personal care. All our volunteers are checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service and our clients’ confidentiality is respected at all times.
Richmond Good Neighbours is one of eight care groups in the Borough of Richmond with clearly defined areas where we operate. We only help residents in TW9 /TW10.
Click on the map image below for a larger version.
Meet Joy and Andrew
Joy says “Come rain or shine (mostly rain recently), Andrew can be relied on. He brings me groceries and news of the wider world. He is not just a delivery man, he is a friend. ”
Andrew says “This may sound corny but Joy is an absolute joy to visit with her shopping each week. Her mind is as focused as ever and we often review current news or relive her many anecdotes. As a former school teacher, she retains the gift of holding her listeners’ attention with a mix of stories and a sprinkling of humour. I much enjoy our meetings.”
In Frank’s words
“Frank Collins here one of your clients…I’ve just come off the phone with you after a very nice conversation so I’m just writing to commend you on the vital work you good people do! I can’t praise you enough for the organisation love and care that you so kindly offer to those who need it. Whilst I have had carers allocated by several health organisations I have to say that they don’t compare to the service you offer and I believe it’s simply because your carers are volunteers who WANT to do this kind of work and have it in their hearts and nature to genuinely help people as opposed to pursuing it merely as a ‘job’ – no disrespect to those who are employed as carers by hospitals etc but the level of care and communication is quite considerable and makes a huge difference to the quality of care provided so thank you thank you thank you for being there I hope you realise your worth and the difference you make to those in need of practical help, spiritual nurturing and TLC – which sadly is very absent from the organisations referred to above. I also must mention Kerstin Howells who you assigned as my ‘good neighbour’ and has helped me tremendously and has now become more of a friend – a lovely spirit – so, in conclusion keep up your good work and level of excellence and thanks to all those volunteers who help possibly much more than they realise. A little smile a little chat a little hug goes a long, long way. Thank you again Anne and all those involved for your wonderful kindness and giving of your time in order to help others – you make the world a better place .”
Jean and Bob’s friendship
Bob has been with RGN for about 10 years as a regular shopper. He started to shop for Jean in March 2021 and as you can read they have developed a great friendship.
Jean says “Through the support given by Richmond Good Neighbours I have been looked after by Bob Watkins, who I’ve now known for over three years. His unfailing support and care over this me has been really appreciated and his regular Tuesday visit is something I look forward to. It’s good to discuss events and my family events, enjoy his stories, and to get a male’s point of view of current events. My daughter is also very appreciative of his visits and helping to keep my fridge full! I want to thank Bob for his friendship and help especially over the last few months when I’ve become more housebound, as he goes out of his way to help me in such a postive way. Also thank you to RGN for providing so much care to the community.
Bob says “I live only a few minutes’ walk from Jean and as she texts me a well-organized shopping list each week the shopping itself is generally a very straight forward task. When I drop off her groceries mid-morning we usually chat about what we’ve each done the previous week. We do also touch on topics in the news but, at the moment, we don’t linger too long over these as it’s often too depressing. Of course, spring is now in the air and there is often tea and cakes to be had in one or other of the beautiful gardens of the Vineyard almshouses. It’s always tempting to stay for just one more scone but it must be resisted as my lunchtime Yoga class starts soon. I have to go, but it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile morning.”
