THE trust that runs Basingstoke hospital is looking for volunteers to help them with a new service.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover hospitals, is looking for volunteer ‘befrienders’ to offer companionship to people who have a chronic or life-limiting illness and are lonely or isolated in their own homes.

As part of the scheme, a trained volunteer will visit patients at their home and spend time with their companion to help reduce the patient’s feeling of isolation and improve their confidence and wellbeing.

Full training and support will be given to volunteers and those interested will be invited to an informal interview.

The role is subject to references, simple health checks and a Disclosure of Barring Service clearance.

For more information, contact Nicola Hayes, the befriending co-ordinator at the trust, by telephone on 01264 835293 or by email at nicola.hayes@hhft.nhs.uk.