Video introduction
Overview
We would all like to live in a place that has a sense of community, where people have positive health and wellbeing, and look out for their neighbours. That’s why, starting in 2025, Volunteering Matters have partnered with Newcastle City Council to set up the Good Neighbours project.
The Good Neighbours Newcastle project recruits, trains and supports volunteers, who provide “a little bit of help” to people who may be socially isolated, or who don’t have many people around them.
Volunteers provide social, emotional or practical support, completing “one-off’ or short-term tasks, supporting people in the community who may be isolated, older, have a disability, or be otherwise in need.
Becoming a Good Neighbour is a fully flexible volunteering role, giving you the chance to help out in your local community at a time that suits you, or fits around your busy schedule!
Volunteers can choose from a wide range of tasks or activities available, using the innovative volunteering app “Volunteero” or via an online portal.
Volunteers who take part often report increased wellbeing, and enhanced skills, while having the opportunity to “give back”.
People who receive support from the service also enhance their wellbeing, feel safer, more supported, and more able to live an independent life.
What types of tasks or activities do Good Neighbours complete?
Volunteers can choose from a wide range of available tasks or activities. Some examples include
- Helping someone with grocery shopping
- Collecting and delivering medical prescriptions,
- Driving a person to their GP/hospital appointment
- Accompanying someone to a social activity or appointment,
- Helping with odd jobs around the house,
- Light gardening
- Checking in with someone for a cuppa and chat, and lots more!
The volunteering role is fully flexible meaning that volunteers can pick and choose which tasks they are interested in completing, and when.
Why become a Good Neighbour
By becoming a Good Neighbour, volunteers:
- Gain fulfilment: volunteering provides a sense of purpose, and satisfaction from helping others
- Develop social connections: meeting new people, building friendships, strengthening community ties.
- Develop skills: by taking part in volunteering, people often develop new skills and interests, confidence and self-esteem
- Enhance health and wellbeing: volunteering is often linked with improved mental health, reduced stress, and even better physical health through keeping active
- Career growth: networking and gaining new experiences can boost career opportunities, helping to develop your CV
- Have fun! Volunteering can be a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience
Volunteer criteria
- Aged 18+
- Able to give a little time on a regular basis, to complete a task or activity for a person in need
- Able to complete volunteer recruitment and training process
- This volunteer role requires an Enhanced Level DBS (criminal record check) which is free to volunteers, and processed, by the project
What support will I receive as a volunteer?
We are passionate about ensuring that each volunteer has a rich and rewarding volunteering experience! As a Good Neighbour, we will provide you with a single point of contact, a member of our staff team, who will check in with you regularly and be on hand to offer help, encouragement and support throughout your volunteering journey. We will also provide all relevant induction and ongoing training, and access to any resources or guidance that will support you to achieve success.
We will offer flexibility around your volunteering role, recognising the need for holidays, time away, or other personal commitments. We will also provide you with the chance to meet other volunteers, take part in social events, and the opportunity to share your story!
We will re-imburse you with any pre-agreed travel and out-of-pocket expenses.
Finally, as a volunteer, you can always expect to be treated with kindness, compassion, respect, with thanks, and so much more.
How do I apply?
Applying to become a Good Neighbour is easy, simply complete an Application Form using the link here – https://bit.ly/goodneighboursapplication
Could you benefit from the support of a Good Neighbour?
Are you a member of the public in Newcastle who could benefit from the help and support of a Good Neighbour?
Or do you know someone else who could benefit from the project?
Requesting assistance is easy, simply complete a referral form via the following link –
https://bit.ly/goodneighboursreferral
This project is funded by –
FAQs
Who can access support from the Good Neighbours project?
Anyone aged 18+ living in Newcastle can access support. The project is aimed at those who are socially isolated, do not have many people around them, or are unable to complete the task/activity themselves due to poor health, a disability, or age.
Is there a cost to receiving support from a Good Neighbour?
This project is funded by Newcastle City Council, and there is no cost to receiving support from a Good Neighbour. However, if you would like to make a charitable donation towards the running costs of the project (including volunteer travel expenses, you can do that here – https://www.justgiving.com/VolunteeringMatters
Do Good Neighbours volunteers have a criminal record check (DBS)?
Yes, as part of the recruitment process to become a Good Neighbour, volunteers will complete an Enhanced Level DBS check. There is no cost to the volunteer for the check, and support is provided with the process of having the check completed
If I volunteer, do I need to commit a certain amount of time?
Becoming a Good Neighbour is a fully flexible volunteering role! There are usually various opportunities for different levels of involvement. You can choose to:
- Volunteer on an as-needed basis.
- Commit to a regular schedule (e.g. weekly or monthly)
- Participate in one-off events or tasks that fit with your availability
Do volunteers receive expenses, for taking part?
We believe that volunteers should not be out-of-pocket for taking part in volunteering and commit to covering pre-agreed expenses including travel costs. We reimburse volunteers with the cost of public transport tickets, or car mileage (£0.45p per mile).
Can I volunteer if I live outside Newcastle?
The project responds to requests for support, for people who live in Newcastle. If you are a volunteer living outside Newcastle, there may be an alternative project in your community that you could support. If you need help to find a suitable volunteering opportunity, contact us and we’ll do our best to signpost you to the right place.
What measures are put in place to ensure health and safety?
Safety is always an important consideration of the Good Neighbours project. We ensure that any tasks which volunteers complete are safe, appropriate, and have necessary risk assessments are in place. All volunteers involved follow our organisational guidance, policies and processes, and receive training on Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and Confidentiality. Volunteers are also provided with relevant insurance cover.
Is Good Neighbours a Befriending Service?
The Good Neighbours project focuses on supporting people in need through small acts of kindness, and short-term or “one off” emotional, social and practical support. While some of our volunteers may complete wellbeing checks, or become a buddy for someone in person or over the telephone, it is not a long-term befriending service. For help finding a suitable befriending service, please contact us and we will do our best to signpost you to the right place.
What if I have an idea for a new initiative in my neighbourhood?
We’d love to hear more! Please contact Volunteer Centre Newcastle to discuss your idea, and we will do our best to help you, or point you in the right direction.
I have another question about Good Neighbours. Who can I contact to discuss this?
You can contact us using the information provided below: