A much-loved Letchworth hospice community service that matches volunteers with socially isolated people across North Herts has recently trained its 500th volunteer.

Garden House Hospice Care in Letchworth introduced 'Compassionate Neighbours' as one of its services in 2018 in an effort to help combat loneliness and social isolation. Six years on, they are celebrating a milestone of 501 volunteer Compassionate Neighbours and over 1,000 matches in the local community.

Steve Francis was the quincentennial volunteer to complete his training. He decided to become a part of the scheme after the Hospice provided care for his late partner:

"I always wanted to give something back from the amazing care they showed her, myself and our close family.

"I'll get a sense of purpose and gratitude out of knowing I am making a small difference in someone else's life.

"I look forward to becoming a good friend to my match, discovering their life history, improving their social circle and maybe even their physical health."

Patsy Sims was one of the Hospice's first Compassionate Neighbours, training back in March 2018. She still helps run the Hospice's weekly community hubs to this day:

"I was a nurse for 50 years and after retiring, thought, 'What am I going to do now?'. I am a people person and care about them; I want to help them and the hubs allow me to do just that. They are so life-affirming and heart-warming, and have given me a sense of purpose. I can't imagine not doing it anymore!"

Last year alone, volunteers completed just under 12,000 collective one-to-one visits with their community members. 425 people regularly attended the community hubs.

Jeanette Farrow is Compassionate Neighbours project manager at Garden House Hospice Care:

"I became so emotional last month when I realised what we had achieved. The figures just go to show what a difference we can make to the local community by collectively giving up one or two hours of our time each week. I am beyond proud of each and every volunteer who is helping isolated people and making such a big difference."

The Hospice's next Compassionate Neighbours introductory day takes place on Wednesday (March 13), which coincidentally falls on the exact sixth anniversary of the scheme.

To find out more and apply, visit www.ghhospicecare.org.uk/compassionate-neighbours.