Mary Galligan from North London Hospice on how the charity marked six years of its Compassionate Neighbours programme providing support for people with life-limiting conditions

North London Hospice’s celebration for its ‘compassionate neighbours’

We all need community. We all need connection.

North London Hospice’s Winchmore Hill centre played host to a joyous celebration last Thursday (12th) marking the sixth anniversary of ‘Compassionate Neighbours’.

Compassionate Neighbours is volunteer-led support for people with a life-limiting condition who are lonely and/or socially isolated. The programme trains local people in Enfield, Barnet and Haringey to become volunteers, empowering them to support people in their communities who would benefit from friendship and companionship.

Since Compassionate Neighbours started at the hospice, more than 350 people have been trained and over 500 people have been supported.

Compassionate Neighbours volunteers, community members, carers and staff came together to celebrate the strength of this enriching social movement, which has now been adopted by 14 hospices in south-east England.

Collages and displays captured the vibrancy and diversity of the Compassionate Neighbours programme at North London Hospice over the last twelve months.

Uplifting live music provided by Andria Antoniou Trio had people clapping and singing along to a memorable selection of Christmas jazz tunes.

Southgate and Wood Green MP Bambos Charalambous, Barnet mayor Tony Vorou and Enfield mayor Mohammad Islam were also in attendance to convey their support for Compassionate Neighbours and North London Hospice in general.

As Bambos reflected, the most valuable gift we have is time. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Compassionate Neighbours for their generosity, passion and commitment to building communities and reconnecting people.

For more information about Compassionate Neighbours:
Visit northlondonhospice.org/work-for-us/compassionate-neighbours

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