What we aim to achieve

Neighbourhood Friends aim is to keep older people out of hospital by providing practical and emotional support.

We do this by providing a person centred service to understand both the practical support that a person requires as well as the support which they would like in order to achieve or maintain a sense of wellbeing.

At present this is a project covering Exeter, Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Woodbury, Lympstone, Exminster, Starcross and Crediton.

By supporting people in their own homes we aim to reduce the need for hospital intervention and help people to feel safe and supported in their own communities.

Support offered

The support offered will vary between individuals but some examples are listed below:

  • Support to settle home from hospital
  • Signposting and support to access other services including social activities
  • Regular support from a volunteer
  • Support to adjust after a life change such as loss of a partner or adapting to life after a long spell in hospital
  • Practical support such as shopping, help with IT, collecting prescriptions, checking fire alarms, fitting key safes, help with pet care

Support offered may be regular or can be provided in a time of need.

Our aim is to enable people to stay independent and well at home and we will review how things are going on a regular basis.

Referrals to the service can be made by:

  • GP Practices
  • Members of Hospital Discharge & Support Teams  
  • Members of Community Health & Social Care Teams
  • S W Ambulance Service

Referrals to the service can be accepted for patients who:

Are over the age of 75;

Have a GP in Exeter, Exminster, Starcross, Crediton, Budleigh Salterton, Lympstone, Exmouth or Woodbury and have been diagnosed with a long term condition or a short term condition such as UTI, infection, injury following falls and who are:

  • Considered to be at high risk of being admitted or re-admitted to hospital; or
  • Require extra support to facilitate an early discharge from hospital

For more information:

Please contact the Neighbourhood Friends Team on tel: 01392 823690

Email: neighbourhoodfriends@westbankfriends.org