Month: July 2025

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It Starts With a Neighbour: Why Local People Are the Heart of Our Community

At Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care (H&HHVC), we believe in something simple but powerful: our community is stronger when neighbours support each other.

We’re not a charity that just does things for people. We’re a living, breathing community of people who run things together, whether that’s checking in on someone who’s lonely, giving a lift to a hospital appointment, or helping Greenwood Community Centre stay vibrant and full of life.

At the heart of all this are Community Neighbour Partners, everyday people like you, helping create the kind of place we all want to live in.

What Is a Community Neighbour Partner?

You may have heard us use the term Community Neighbour Partner. It’s how we describe the people who help run our services — not just support them.

These aren’t “volunteers” in the traditional sense. They’re neighbours, people who give their time, energy and skills to make life better for others, and for themselves. They might:

  • Pop in for a regular chat with a housebound neighbour
  • Help set up a tea dance at Greenwood Community Centre
  • Give a lift to someone who can’t get to the shops
  • Keep things organised behind the scenes
  • Or simply say yes when a need arises

There’s no one way to get involved. What matters is that you care — and that you want to be part of something meaningful.

Volunteering Changes Lives, Including Yours

The benefits of becoming a Community Neighbour Partner are real, both for the community and for you personally.

Research by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) found that over 77% of UK volunteers say it improves their mental health and wellbeing, while 68% feel volunteering helps them feel less isolated. (NCVO Time Well Spent Report, 2019)

And it’s not just emotional, it’s physical, too. A major review by The King’s Fund concluded that volunteering is linked to lower stress levels, improved mood, and even a reduced risk of early death. (The King’s Fund, 2022)

People who become Community Neighbour Partners often tell us:

“I thought I was signing up to help other people — but it’s helped me just as much.”

The Value of Joining H&HHVC – For Everyone Involved

For Registered Neighbours: When someone joins us as a Registered Neighbour, they’re not just accessing help. They’re reconnecting, to people, to opportunities, to the feeling of being part of something again. They gain:

  • Confidence to leave the house
  • New friendships and social activities
  • Emotional wellbeing and companionship
  • Dignity, independence, and respect

Many tell us it’s the first time in years they’ve felt truly seen.

For Community Neighbour Partners: Whether you’re 18 or 80, there’s so much to gain:

  • A stronger connection to your community
  • A sense of purpose and belonging
  • New skills and experiences
  • Pride in the real difference you’re making
  • A social circle that feels like family

A UK-wide study via Pro Bono Economics, in collaboration with Royal Voluntary Service, found that volunteering adds £4,551 in productivity per person per year, boosting the UK economy by around £4.6 billion—while also giving jobseekers vital skills and confidence.

Plus, official analysis for the Lords Library reports that volunteers experience better wellbeing, higher self-esteem, and broader social networks.

And according to NCVO’s “Time Well Spent 2023”, 75% of volunteers say it improves their mental health, while nearly nine in ten find volunteering enjoyable and personally fulfilling.

A Community That’s Open to All

What makes H&HHVC unique is our model of shared ownership. We welcome:

  • Registered Neighbours – those receiving support
  • Community Neighbours – those who take part in activities or hire space
  • Community Neighbour Partners – those who help run it all

These roles aren’t fixed. You might be part of all three during different stages of life. That’s how community works, it flows, it flexes, and it belongs to everyone.

What Could You Bring?

Maybe you’re brilliant at talking to people.
Maybe you’re more of a “behind the scenes” kind of person.
Maybe you’ve got a few hours a month. Maybe just a few a year.
Whatever you’ve got — we’ll help you use it in a way that feels good.

All we ask is that you bring kindness, curiosity, and a sense of community spirit.

We’re in This Together

When you join us as a Community Neighbour Partner, you’re not left to do it all alone. You’ll get:

  • A proper welcome and support
  • Clear role guidance and expectations
  • Opportunities to connect with other neighbours
  • Check-ins from our friendly staff team
  • Invitations to social events and learning opportunities

Because this isn’t just about “giving your time.” It’s about growing together.

Because this isn’t just about “giving your time.” It’s about growing together.

“I never thought I’d volunteer — but now I can’t imagine not doing it.”
– Community Neighbour Partner, 2024

“I feel like I belong again. I’ve made friends, I laugh again, and I know someone cares.”
– Registered Neighbour, 2023

Ready to Say Yes?

We’d love to chat, no pressure. Whether you’re curious about becoming a Community Neighbour Partner, interested in joining our activities, or just want to know more, we’re here.

📍 Drop in to Greenwood Community Centre, 1a School Road, Hampton Hill. TW12 1QL


📞 Call us: 020 8979 9662

Because in Hampton and Hampton Hill, it starts with a neighbour.
And that neighbour could be you.

Rob McRae-Adams (CEO)

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Richmond – uniquely supportive for older people

Does the London Borough of Richmond provide the best community support network for older people in the entire UK? Yes, very possibly.
Richmond has eight local charities, neighbourhood care groups (NCGs), offering practical support, for older people or those with extra needs, enabling people to stay in their own homes. Each NCG covers a specific postcode area and can easily be reached by local people using accessible public transport.

Why is this support unique?

While Richmond upon Thames is often associated with affluence, the reality is more complex. There are pockets of significant deprivation across the borough, including in parts of Hampton and Hampton Hill (TW12), where residents may be asset rich but cash poor. These financial pressures can impact daily living, especially for older adults and those on fixed incomes.

Yet, the borough’s wealth also brings with it a strong culture of philanthropy and civic participation. Many residents actively give their time, resources, and skills – from volunteering in schools to running community groups, organising local events, and supporting vital services. Richmond benefits from a long-established and vibrant voluntary sector, with organisations and individuals alike showing deep commitment to supporting their neighbours and strengthening the community.

Richmond’s ‘Great Eight’

The eight local Neighbourhood Care Groups (NCG) are:

Each NCG offers some or part support such as:

  • telephone befriending
  • face-to-face befriending
  • shopping assistance
  • transport to social and medical appointments
  • weekly social and interest groups and
  • interesting local excursions as well.

Amazing volunteers

All the NCG’s rely on local volunteers to provide their vital services. Without volunteers, their services simply would not exist. When a volunteer gives someone a lift, for example to a hospital appointment, it is so much more than just a lift. Friendly chat and that personal connection can relieve a bit of the anxiety and stress of the forthcoming medical challenge.

As our volunteers are often engaged with other local people and organisations, the two strangers can often, even on first meeting, find something of mutual interest. And it is this real-life, interpersonal connection that makes all the difference. If someone lives alone, then this may be their only personal interaction that week. The volunteers, often usually no longer spring chickens themselves, can offer a bit of kindness, care and personal attention. For an older person or someone going through one of life’s challenges, this can mean everything.

Community Centres and local charity networks

The neighbourhood care groups are part of the excitingly named ‘CILS’ or ‘Community Independent Living Service. The CILS contract is between 20 local charities and Age UK Richmond which manages the council funding and co-ordinates the partnership, providing vital support to people. CILS ensures that the network of support for older people living in the London Borough of Richmond is as best it can be.

Richmond CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) is the fantastic umbrella organisation supporting a the voluntary sector network of local organisations in the Borough enabling them to get on and do their positive stuff in the community.

Your Community Centre Week 22 – 28 September 2025

Some local charities have their offices within community centres, like Hampton and Hamton Hill Voluntary Care at the Greenwood Community Centre. And each September there is a Boroughwide event called “Your Community Centre Week“.

This year 2025 for Your Community Centre Week, Richmond’s community centres will be inviting residents to move, connect and celebrate through Come Dance With Us – a joyful programme dedicated to dance and movement for all.

This year’s events promise even more variety, energy and inclusivity. From expressive contemporary dance and vibrant Latin themed workshops to gentle seated movement sessions and lively daytime discos, there is something for every age and ability. Whether it’s your first time dancing or you’re a seasoned mover, everyone is welcome to join in.
Look out for the full schedule and get ready to step into the rhythm of 2025 with Come Dance With Us! See more at: yourcommunitycentres.org

Richmond’s celebration of ageing: The Full of Life Fair

Held every autumn, The Full of Life Fair is Richmond’s flagship event celebrating older residents. Organised by Richmond Council, it brings together local charities, businesses, public services, and entertainers for a day of inspiration, information, and interaction. With free workshops, wellbeing activities, dance and taster sessions, and opportunities to meet local services and groups, the Fair helps residents discover everything on offer to stay active, healthy, and connected.

It’s a brilliant showcase of Richmond’s commitment to ageing wel, placing older people not just at the heart of services, but at the heart of the community itself.

Author: Chris Lofthouse (Operations Manager, H&HHVC)

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