Cotswold Friends' volunteer-led community services bring friendship and practical support to over 2000 older, isolated, vulnerable people throughout the North Cotswolds. We aim to reduce loneliness and isolation, improve health and well-being and support independent living for those who are older and alone.
Our 6 sustainable services are preventative and part of our 'Ageing Well' Programme to keep people fit, active, connected, and cared for by their community. In normal times:
Community Transport: our 120 volunteer drivers enable clients to get out and about for practical, medical and social needs. In 2020 they drove 14,700 journeys! Recently they've been taking people to their vaccine appointments.. Highly cost effective, this service is a lifeline and interconnects with Cotswold Friends' other services.
Community Activities: with 66 volunteers, we run 14 Lunch Clubs, 2 'Craft & Chat' group, 3 'Men in Sheds' projects, Community Singing, Gentle Walking, Walking Football / Netball groups, around 800 people take part each month. Regular social contact and exercise assists well-being, keeps people fit and active.
Befriending: our volunteers make weekly friendship/support visits to clients. During lockdowns they have befriended by Telephone. This simple friendship alleviates loneliness, isolation, helps individuals live in their own homes for longer. They can join in regular community events, with transport and support if needed.
Intergenerational Befriending: local Sixth form students make weekly visits to nearby care home residents, in lockdown they've kept in touch via penpal letters and short videos.
Carer Support Service: trained volunteers give regular respite breaks for carers and befriend the cared-for person. Together they can join in events and activities with transport and personal care, The programme also runs Memory Clubs; Day Clubs, peer support and provides training and advice to carers.
Independence Service: newly established to support those emerging from lockdown to regain their lives afer long isolation.
Hospital Service: combining Transport, Befriending, Carer Support, our scheme supports people admitted to hospital - going in, during and coming home from, their hospital stay.
If you are interested in volunteering, or know someone who might need Cotswold Friends, please contact us.
View our film at
Cotswold Friends Charity Film | Cotswold Friends | Supporting older and vulnerable people in the North Cotswolds