No One Dies Alone (NODA) will help people and families in the last 72 hours of life, providing respite, companions for those with no family or friends able to visit, or simply someone to sit with the family providing comfort and reassurance at a challenging and often frightening time. Individuals feel cared for and supported to the end of their lives; family members gain positive early bereavement experiences.
A weekly Friendship Hub (which evolved from a Bereavement Café) and fortnightly Singing Group will provide a hot meal and informal entertainment to address widespread social isolation and loneliness in Inverclyde. Up to 55 regularly attend these wholly volunteer-led groups, and report affirming relationships, reduced loneliness, and new networks of support.
New Mum Companions will provide vital practical support, a listening ear and friendship for people identified by Social Work as struggling with their new role due to a lack of networks or isolation. This includes a growing number of new Scots who don’t speak English or have a family support network. Distinct from Homestart, mums are supported to strengthen their nurturing relationship with their child, feel less isolated and more connected to their (new) community.
Back Home Visitors/Palliative Care Companions will provide friendship for anyone of any age, including elderly people nearing the end of their lives, who live alone in the community, or are returning home from hospital and face loneliness and/or isolation. Support encompasses regular home visits, telephone befriending and engaging in mutually enjoyable activities in or outwith the home. Beneficiaries feel less isolated, more confident on returning home, and more socially connected.
