VASL's Community Champions project aims to reduce loneliness for people over 60 who live alone in Harborough District (with no diagnosis of dementia). We accept referrals for clients from individuals, families, GP surgeries, Adult Social Care, Local Area Co-ordinators.
Our office is based in Market Harborough, but we run events and support people across the entire district.
We recruit and train volunteers who contact their client on a regular basis, with phone calls, emails, letters and visits. We interview all of our volunteers and take up references for them. We match volunteers to suitable clients based on shared interests and similar life experiences.
We encourage all of our clients (and volunteers) to come along to our monthly Community Gatherings, held at local venues across Harborough District, where we offer free tea and cake, lively conversation and free accessible transport.
We have smaller, volunteer-led groups as well, such as walking groups and breakfast club.
We have learning and training events in-person and on Zoom, which helps our clients and volunteers become part of the community.
We offer 1:1 digital support for people to get online at monthly sessions at local libraries and through home visits.
Our volunteers can support people to join groups and classes.
We work with local schools and Scouts to encourage intergenerational work, and a wide variety of partners.
We encourages clients to develop their agency and try new things to make local and online connections.
A monthly newsletter offers a list of our own and local activities, interesting articles and advice/information.
People over 60 who live alone in Harborough District.
Not suitable for clients with a dementia diagnosis or severe mental health issues.