Sometimes, all people need is a bit of a boost!

• Are you aged 60+ and able to volunteer in Hartcliffe or Withywood?
• Would you like to make a difference to your neighbours?
• Then why not become an ACE volunteer?!

Training is being held on Wednesday 14th February.

The ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged) Neighbours project is looking for enthusiastic, friendly and active volunteers over the age of 60 who can give a few hours per month to support older adults to get out and about in Hartcliffe and Withywood and be active again.

The project aims to support isolated older adults to get ‘out and about’ more, improve their confidence and engage more with their community. In doing so, volunteers make a positive contribution to older people’s health and well-being.

Each volunteer will be matched with a local resident – a ‘Neighbour’. You’ll have a list of possible activities to try and together you decide what you’d like to do. In time your Neighbour will be more confident and able to go out by themselves – you can reduce the support you give, but can be on hand if needed.

As well as one-to-one support from the volunteer, ACE Neighbours provides group support. Matched pairs of older people and volunteers get together and do an activity or simply meet for a cuppa. This provides motivation to keep active as well as provide company and additional support. Many lasting friendships were formed in the group get-togethers during an earlier ACE pilot project in Bristol!

You will be volunteering with older adults who are mobile and don’t need physical help, just a confidence boost, to get out and about. No experience is needed as full training and support is provided. Your own transport is not required and volunteer expenses will be paid.

If you’re interested in becoming an ACE Neighbours volunteer, please do get in touch asap. If the role is right for you we will book you onto the training day. Contact Catherine Robinson, Mondays to Wednesdays on 0117 305 2365 or 07817 632 963 or catherine.robinson@stmonicatrust.org.uk