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Ashtead woman sets up neighbourhood support scheme for the elderlythisissurreytoday.co.uk By Maria Coyle
The 85-year-old recognised that some people didn't have the support needed to attend doctors' appointments or carry out day-to-day tasks. She said: "Seeing this fragile lady with no help made me realise there was a need, and it was an issue that would soon have an impact on me. "And here I am years down the line, myself using what has become a magnificent service." Mrs Hollamby started Ashtead Good Neighbours with help from the council, Ashtead Rotary Club and others in the community. Volunteers drive clients to appointments, walk their dogs and help them do shopping. "It took two years of hard work, which started at my dining room table but it all paid off and we got the initial financial support we needed and the generosity of the volunteers has been immense," said Mrs Hollamby, of Petters Road. "The fact that people give up their personal time reflects the kindness of this community." She said as a client of the organisation she can fully appreciate the dedication of the volunteers. "There are a great number of remarkable drivers and they are all a magnificent credit to themselves," she said. "On recent hospital visits, they have always managed to keep me upbeat. A lot of friendships have been formed through the organisation. "I, for one, have really grown fond of the volunteers who give me a helping hand." The scheme, which is now financially independent, has almost 400 clients and 164 volunteers. The users of the service pay a one-off £5 fee, which covers running costs, and many of the volunteers donate their petrol expenses back into the organisation. Co-ordinator Marion Guess says the success is largely through word of mouth promotion. "Our volunteers sacrifice their time because they enjoy doing it and likewise the client appreciates the help," she said. "They do what any good neighbour would do for an elderly person. Our service seems to fulfil a need and it's gone from strength to strength." |
