How can you get help from the NCS ?

We accept referrals from individuals who meet our eligibility criteria (people aged over 60, adults with a physical or sensory disability or chronic condition, and carers who live in our neighbourhoods), their families, their friends, voluntary organisations, and social and health care agencies.

You can make a referral by telephone, e-mail or post.

How can the NCS help you ?

The NCS helps individuals by finding local volunteers to help them in the following ways:

• Social visiting/befriending
• Accompanying out (to the shops, to the doctors, for pleasure)
• Reading aloud
• Telephone support
• Form filling
• Arts and crafts
• Dog walking
• Simple DIY
• Painting and decorating
• Shopping
• Assistance with wheelchairs
• Gardening
• Playing games
• One-off tasks
• Falls prevention advice

While our volunteers do a lot of practical tasks, the NCS is committed to providing long-term practical and social support to people.

Here's what a few of our scheme members have said about the support they receive:

'She visits, takes me out, take me to hospital appointments. I'm able to get out sometimes and she's friend now who comes for a cuppa and chat. We have a laugh and girlie afternoons.'

'They do gardening. Washed and re-hung large curtains. I am able to stay in my owj home knowing I can get help with jobs I cannot do any longer, and that I can have a 'chat' with a friend.'

'I have a sitting service for 2 hours Friday pm. Includes changing TV channel and making cups of tea, answering telephone or doorbell. Sitting with my wife for 2 hours enables me to go out which I would otherwise not be able to do.'

My volunteer comes weekly for a chat and does small jobs. Feel less isolated as my arthritic ankle prevents me from going out a lot.'

People aged 60 or over, who live at home and may be at risk of social isolation

Adults with a physical or sensory disability aged under 60

Carers