Case Study: Basingstoke NeighbourCare

1st November 2024

Basingstoke NeighbourCare assists those in genuine need in the local community by providing support to maintain their independence. They help to combat loneliness in those who are housebound and living on their own by matching people in need with a volunteer befriender, who then provides a regular weekly visit for a chat over a cuppa.

Their case study tells the story of Bill’s* struggle adapting to a life-altering injury and how his befriending match with Jane helped him find a new sense of connection.

*Please note that names in this case study have been changed to protect the individuals’ identities.

I don’t like to complain…

Bill was referred to NeighbourCare by a family member who was concerned that he had become very isolated since returning home from a long hospital stay. Bill was previously independent and led an active life, sadly he had experienced an episode which resulted in him falling and breaking his back.

Upon returning home from hospital he found that his life had drastically changed, he was reliant on carers and was housebound. Bill’s husband of nearly 40 years had sadly passed away several years previously so he was living alone. Whilst the carers who came to his house 3 times a day were very good, their visits were short, and they simply didn’t have the time to stop for a chat. Bill said he didn’t like to complain, but he found it difficult adjusting to the social isolation in addition to the physical limitations and pain he was experiencing.

A good match

Jane joined the team of volunteer befrienders last year. She already visited one gentleman and had the availability to start visiting someone else as well. When matching, it was Bill’s great sense of humour and Jane’s caring and friendly nature that made for a good match.

Something to look forward to

Jane now visits Bill every week and Bill really enjoys seeing her. He says that she is a really lovely person, he looks forward to her visits and he is going to really miss her when she goes on holiday!