Good Neighbours Care

You remember the 80s, right? Think the Delorian car, serious political shifts and Cher with big hair! At the same time, a group of local like-minded folk got together to think of ways they could help isolated and vulnerable people living in Haywards Heath, Cuckfield and Lindfield. And after eighteen months of working out what type of help was needed, and with already 100 volunteers recruited, Good Neighbours CARE opened its doors to clients in June 1983. The charity’s purpose was simple – supporting anyone in need who lived in Haywards Heath, Cuckfield and Lindfield by taking them shopping or doing their shopping for them, taking them to health appointments, and visiting them at home. And Good Neighbours CARE has continued that level of support for the last 43 years. Last year over 3,000 jobs were completed, with the help of over 120 amazing volunteers, helping hundreds of folk right across Haywards Heath and surrounding villages.

Chair of Trustees John Bines explains: “Fundamentally, the charity exists to help anyone who needs it. That could be any age, and falling mainly into three categories: transport, shopping or visiting.” Entirely self-funded and staffed only by volunteers, Good Neighbours Care (GNC) can step in whether its due to a temporary or more long-term need. “One client last year,” Trustee Karen Bulgin explains, “needed a lift to a hospital appointment, following a change in epilepsy medication and could no longer drive. Whereas others may be finding it progressively difficult to go to the shops on their own.”

Karen started with GNC six years ago, during Covid, and hasn’t looked back since! “Over the years I have met some wonderful and inspirational people with lots of stories to tell and wisdom to share. And, on a personal level, I get a real buzz knowing that in a very small way, I’m helping people get on with their lives.”

Trustee Debbie Schlup explains how volunteers are in control of not only how many jobs they want to do but also how often they want to do them. Debbie says: “We have a brilliant system in place which allows all the volunteers to see details of all upcoming jobs. And they can then decide which job or jobs they’d like to volunteer for. This works well for our volunteers with busy schedules and family commitments. For urgent jobs, we also have a WhatsApp group which has really helped too.”

Retired accountant, Tim Fraser who has been volunteering for the last seven years explains the backup services in place to make sure that volunteers always feel supported. Tim says: “Volunteers are never left ‘high and dry’ as there’s always a person on duty every day available to chat to and help with any practical issues surrounding a job.”

Tim works as Duty Officer, volunteering one day a month – a critical role in the charity as the main point of contact for both clients and volunteers. Jane Dunphy who has been volunteering for fourteen years currently heads up the client assessment process. She explains that it is her team’s job to make sure that the charity is the right fit for the client. Jane explains: “By visiting potential clients, we can assess their needs, manage their expectations, and sometimes even signpost them to other services that can help them too.”

According to John: “Even though we have many active and brilliant volunteers who work tirelessly to help people, we are always on the lookout for more. Our only requirements are that you are a kind person and that you’d agree to be DBS checked. You can also claim expenses to cover your costs.”

If you think you could help those around you, even if that’s only an hour a week, the team at Good Neighbours CARE would love to hear from you. Call 01444 455955 or email volunteers@careinhaywardsheath.co.uk to find out more.