St Michael's Hospice will receive share of £800,000

The Government has announced that St Michael’s Hospice, in Aldermaston Road, will be receiving a share of £800,000 as part of its plan to help people towards the end of their life.

The £146,540 award will be used to create a befriending service. The scheme will allow volunteers at the hospice to identify isolated people, including those living in rural areas in the borough, by providing a person for them to talk to.

Those involved in the service will provide companionship and emotional support, as well as practical support to help people reconnect with their own communities. Volunteers will also show people how they can use the internet to contact distant family members online.

St Michael’s Hospice chief executive David Monkman said: “The establishment of a befriending service that serves the community of north Hamp-shire has been something the hospice has wanted to do for a considerable period of time.

“The generous funding from the Government will enable this ambition to be achieved.

“Once up and running, the service will provide valuable support to people in the community who feel isolated and alone.”

Rob Wilson, Government Minister for Civil Society, added: “I am delighted to announce the recipients of the Social Action End of Life Fund.

“Often medical appointments, care needs and financial considerations can obscure the emotional needs that people face at the end of their lives.

“These projects are great examples of how we can use volunteers within communities to make sure that nobody feels alone or unsupported, helping people live with compassion and dignity.”