Who are our volunteers?
They are local residents just like you. They shop for those who can no longer do it for themselves. They collect clients from their homes and accompany them to hospital or to a doctor’s appointment, staying with them if they need moral support or a second pair of ears. They drive them to social events, or simply meet them for a cup of tea and a chat or even join us on outings to Kew Gardens, Holly Lodge, Squires Garden Centre or Ham House. Some of these activities that we can take for granted can be a huge challenge for those who are elderly, isolated or disabled.
What sort of time commitment would volunteering require?
We understand that you are busy, and unlike other volunteering roles we don’t need any regular commitment. You can help once a week, once a month, whenever you want. Volunteering with us is rewarding, interesting and life-affirming. To be a volunteer driver you need a UK driving licence, comprehensive insurance and a car suitable for transporting elderly clients. Mileage can be claimed at 45 pence per mile. All our volunteers are required to be checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Meet Sarah and Liz
“A request was made for someone to help with taking out an 82 year old lady in her wheelchair. She has been housebound for three years due to her long-term multiple sclerosis. Liz and Jenny are twin sisters who now live together. Jenny ensures that Liz is taken care of and still manages to go out herself to art classes and galleries. But there is a sadness for her that her twin sister cannot do these things which she also loves.
Well, I couldn’t have been luckier to meet two such lovely ladies. Each time I see them I learn more about them. Their lovely sunny attitude and kind nature is such a joy. To think that Liz had barely been out of her flat for three years seems incredible and she just loves going out with me and I love taking her out.”
Sarah Keating, Volunteer
Meet Russell | volunteer and trustee
In the words of Ines | volunteer
“I have been volunteering with RGN for just over three years and have enjoyed getting to know the clients, helping with social or medical outings, and befriending. RGN offers both regular and ad-hoc activities and this flexibility has served me well as my availability varies with my work commitments.
It has been a real treat to interact with RGN clients. They tend to have some mobility constraints combined with a zest for life, desire for company and staying as independent as possible, which I greatly admire. Many clients have led fascinating lives and I love to hear their stories and adventures – and have had many laughs along the way! Some have no or very little family and others have no family nearby so it is a great service that RGN volunteers are able to help in making clients’ lives easier and more connected. It is a rewarding activity that can take from one hour a month to a few hours a week.”
Community Heroes
In 2020, Richmond Good Neighbours was recognised in the borough’s Community Hero awards, highlighting all those people, groups and businesses who are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to deliver the highest level of support and assistance within their community. This award also took on the additional role of acknowledging the many people who stepped up in a huge local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
