A little bit about our past
Chertsey Good Neighbours has been providing support to local residents for over thirty years. We merged with Addlestone Good Neighbours in 2021 to serve the Central Runnymede community. Over this time our aim has been to supplement existing social and medical services when and where we can.
All our volunteers are DBS checked and our operation is overseen by a Board of 5 Trustees.
Here is the experience of three of them:
Chairman
I first became involved with Chertsey Good Neighbours in 2002, as a Duty Officer taking phone calls (in the comfort of my own home) from clients and arranging the appropriate help. Within a year I was approached by the then Chairman, Dr. Phyllis Batchelor and asked if I would consider taking on the chairmanship of the organisation and was elected to the role in Autumn 2003 and I’m still in the hot-seat!! I’ve seen many changes over the years the most significant of which has been the computerisation of the booking system and acquiring charitable status. I have a real passion for helping those in a less fortunate position than myself.
Treasurer
I joined Chertsey Good Neighbours in 2011 and have been a volunteer ever since. I initially did a lot of driving but when I returned to work in the NHS I joined the Committee and took on the role of Treasurer. I have been doing this since 2013. I enjoy being part of this Charity as it serves the whole community and is very much appreciated by our clients. We organize a variety of social events both for the clients and volunteers, and we participate at the Black Cherry Fair. It is a wonderful organization to be a part of particularly as you are able to offer as little or as much time as you are able.
Volunteer/ Trustee
After retiring from work I was keen to fill the seemingly empty hours that I visualized lay ahead, and joined Chertsey Good Neighbours as a volunteer in 2017. The flexible unrestricted requests for assistance appealed and left me free to continue with my other interests at choice. I enjoy getting to know and befriend clients who are so appreciative of my help and company on shopping expeditions, hospital/doctor appointments and also have a cuppa and
natter with those who are housebound and sometimes have very few visitors. I really enjoy volunteering with Good Neighbours and can recommend joining if you are looking to fill a few spare hours.
What Our Clients Say
“From where we live there’s no bus service to our GP or dentist. The Good Neighbours service is a lifeline to us, the volunteers are always helpful with my walking frame.”
Norman and Iris aged 84
“Once a week my volunteer takes me to collect my pension, shopping at Aldi and then we have a coffee. I look forward to it so much”
Eileen aged 94
“Good Neighbours have been my lifeline as I am unable to get out alone. They are excellent shoppers and my visits to St. Peters Hospital have been trouble free. It’s a joy to have such a happy person looking after me all the time”
Mary aged 83
What Our Volunteers Say
“I realised that I needed to give something back to my neighbours especially the elderly and those with health problems. Being a volunteer makes you feel good and happy that you can make a difference in your own community”
Sabine
“Volunteering is rewarding but it’s also a great laugh! I take a retired ex-professional comedian to hospital appointments – he has me in stiches and we now go to the pub together”
Adrian