Background Old age, frailty, and/or a life-limiting illness may confine a person to their own home as their world ‘shrinks’. Factors such as no longer being able to drive, bereavement, or loss of mobility can significantly reduce social contact, causing people to feel lonely and isolated. Family, friends, and neighbours’ support is only sometimes available due to family living away, work commitments, and society becoming increasingly insular.

Aims Recruit ‘Mountbatten Neighbour’ volunteers across Southampton City, large parts of Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight to provide regular emotional and social support to older people living with chronic life-limiting illnesses or frailty who feel isolated from their local community.

Method A Mountbatten coordinator provides full training and ongoing support to volunteers and monthly development sessions, catch-ups, and further training. The community nursing or psychosocial team refers individuals to the service when they identify someone who may benefit from a Mountbatten Neighbour. Individuals and Neighbours are ‘matched’ based on similar locations and interests, and an initial meet-and-greet is arranged. The Mountbatten Neighbour will then usually visit the person for an hour a week, or more if both parties desire. The Neighbour and client arrange visits between themselves.

Results A natural and mutual friendship develops between them with regular contact, but also Neighbours can raise any health and well-being concerns with the coordinator, enabling earlier interventions by clinical teams.

‘Having somebody to talk to and laugh with makes all the difference. It’s better than medicine.’ Person supported by a Mountbatten Neighbour.

‘I love knowing I have made a difference to someone’s day – it enriches your life not just your client’s life.’ Mountbatten Neighbour

Conclusion Something as simple as a regular visit for a cup of tea and a chat can significantly improve the well-being of vulnerable people who may otherwise be forgotten by society.