Bristol Estate

When we met her, Anna was chatty and open, told us that she loves jewelry making and knitting, and that she felt intimidated in new situations. After going through our recruitment and induction process we matched her with a local lady in her 60’s, Gwen, who had recently had surgery for the removal of a brain tumour and was making a very slow recovery. She had lost all her confidence, suffered from vertigo and nausea and was trapped indoors feeling useless and lonely.

Anna and Gwen chatted easily from the start and have now been meeting most weeks since then. Gwen says she trusts Anna, and that she can tell her stuff she can’t tell her own family for fear of bothering or upsetting them. Anna has supported her to build up her confidence in leaving the house, and they have slowly ventured further afield so that now Gwen is doing her own shopping.

Anna says she’s learnt that she does have something to give, and that she can put her own problems into perspective now, and even put them to one side if necessary. She feels happier in herself and is more outgoing. She can see that simple achievements can be incredibly significant like the first time Gwen walked down to the local shop with Anna and chose herself something to eat. Having a sense of purpose is really fulfilling for her. Both of them intend to continue their friendship even when Gwen no longer needs Anna’s support.

If you have a couple of spare hours a week and would enjoy spending it with someone who needs a little neighbourly support, ring us on 01273 775 888, or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Look us up at www.bh-impetus.org to see the difference our volunteers make in their own, and other people’s lives.