Reach Out Hertfordshire is a friendly, local project dedicated to supporting older people who are medically vulnerable and have recently returned home from hospital. Our goal is to help individuals adjust, recover, and regain independence, while also reducing social isolation and loneliness.
We match clients with volunteers in their neighbourhood who provide companionship and practical support in the comfort of their own home. Our volunteers can assist with a variety of tasks to make recovery easier and more enjoyable.
- Visiting at home to check in and offer a friendly chat
- Making tea and coffee and providing company
- Supporting clients to get back to activities they enjoy
- Collecting small essential shopping items (bread, milk, fruit, snacks)
- Accompanying clients to appointments or on shopping trips
- Helping rebuild confidence during recovery
- Collecting prescriptions
- Short-term support with pet care
- Encouraging clients to try new activities or visit other helpful services
- Researching and signposting to other useful services
Who can benefit?
- People recently discharged from hospital
- Those recovering from illness, surgery, or accident
- Anyone needing support to regain independence after medical treatment
- Individuals at risk of hospital admission
How does it work? We offer short-term, practical help and friendly visits, tailored to each person's needs. Our service is free, but donations are welcome to help us continue supporting local people. For example, £5 pays for coffee and cake for a client, and £100 helps maintain a client-volunteer match for 6 months.
Get in touch to refer someone, volunteer, or find out more about how Reach Out can help you or someone you care about.