The Dunstable branch of the family-run funeral firm Neville Funerals continues to demonstrate its commitment to community-led initiatives with further support for local charity, Hospice at Home Volunteers. In an era of digitalisation, where many healthcare services are now delivered online, the charity provides much-needed face-to-face practical support to those with life limiting conditions.
Hospice at Home Volunteers has been operating in Dunstable, Houghton Regis and district areas since 1986. Made up of approximately 25 volunteers, the self-funded charity provides weekly 3-hour practical help visits to patients with life-limiting conditions and respite for carers.
Neville Funerals, which has operated across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire for nearly 150 years, began its relationship with Hospice at Home Volunteers in 2018 after the charity’s volunteers attended one of the funeral firm’s free bereavement support groups, Talking Elephants. The sessions, which occur every third Monday of each month at The Priory Church Hall, Dunstable, offered Hospice at Home Volunteers some insight into the bereavement support available locally to its clientele.
Maureen, Volunteer Manager at Hospice at Home Volunteers, said: “Since the pandemic, we are finding that a lot of healthcare support is being delivered online or via the phone which, while more convenient and efficient, can contribute to the rising cases of social isolation felt by older people, patients with life limiting conditions, and full-time carers.
“To tackle this within our community, Hospice at Home Volunteers aims to provide free practical, social and emotional support for both our clients in and around Dunstable, and their carers.
“As a self-funded organisation, reliant on the generosity of local businesses and volunteers, we don’t have a lot of spare resources and COVID forced us to shut our offices. Neville Funerals in Dunstable – the heart of where we support our clients – was gracious enough to offer up use of its Community Room, free of charge, for bi-monthly trustee meetings and 6-monthly volunteer training.
“Having this support from Dunstable Branch Manager James, and the lovely Neville’s team, has made such a difference to how we operate and has freed up our time to focus on growing our outreach within the community. We will be training 6 new volunteers in Nevilles’ Community Room in October, which will be instrumental for reaching more clients, bringing that all-important face-to-face interaction and respite support for carers during the winter months.”
James Witham, Branch Manager for Neville Funerals in Dunstable, said: “Community support is imperative to us at Neville Funerals, and we were more than happy to offer the use of our space at Dunstable for Hospice at Home Volunteers to continue its mission.
“As a funeral director, we have been embedded within the local community for a long time, and we regularly see the lasting impact loneliness and social isolation has on our residents. This is why organisations like Hospice at Home Volunteers are so important, and we will continue to support Maureen and her team for as long as is needed. We’d also encourage anyone in need of help, whether you are a client, family member, friend or carer, to reach out to Hospice at Home Volunteers today.”
As part of the Neville Trust, Neville Funerals supports multiple local and national charities and community organisations with direct sponsorships and donations – and has a reputation for championing campaigns close to its heart. Talking Elephants is of course its own creation and remains a vitally important service to its communities.
Do you know anyone in need of help? Hospice at Home Volunteers can provide flexible support depending on individual client needs. This includes spending time with clients, enabling their carers to have two- or three-hours break, accompanying clients on trips to the shops or a favourite venue and providing information for further help.
Contact Hospice at Home on +44 (0) 7709 131 514 or visit https://www.hospiceathomevolunteers.co.uk/ for more information.