This year, McClarrons support local charity, Herriot Hospice Homecare, in their bid for funds in the Aviva Community Fund.
The fund gives not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to win money in order to aid their work on a specific project. The competition works through a voting system; the charities with the most votes go through to the finals where a judging panel then decides which projects the funds will be awarded to. To vote, all you have to do is register your details here and you will be allocated 10 votes to use.
This year, we are supporting Herriot Hospice Homecare with their submission, in order to try and help them raise funds for their invaluable Volunteer Sitting Service. The service provides companionship to those with terminal illnesses including cancer, heart failure, respiratory diseases and neurological conditions, in order to reduce social isolation. Not only this, the service also helps carers, giving them a break from their caring responsibilities. The organisation does this by training a team of volunteers to provide weekly companionship for those who need it most.
The funding Herriot Hospice Homecare are hoping to win through the Aviva Community Fund is £3000; a figure that equates to 100 visits. Last year alone, Herriot made 155 visits and continually receive, on average, 3 new referrals a month.
With the UK’s rapidly ageing population there is a significant increase in the number of people living with a terminal illness. The Office for National Statistics 2015 reported that the number of people aged 60+  is expected to pass the 20 million mark by 2020, with many suffering from serious health issues. It is clear to see that the demand for services like this is only going to grow as time goes on.
Jonathan Copley, McClarrons’ Care & Social Welfare Account Executive, commented: “The volunteers at Herriot Hospice offer a truly invaluable service, which can be both demanding and time consuming. Despite this, they remain dedicated to enriching the lives of vulnerable people; all year round they give rural, isolated people a friend they can rely on. This is something that is truly valued by those they befriend, as well as the carers they provide respite to.”
Research has found that “social integration leads to reduced mortality risks, and to a better state of mental health”, as well as “that both social isolation and nonsupportive social interactions can result in lower immune function” (Seeman, 1996). This further reiterates the importance of the Volunteer Sitting service Herriot Hospice Homecare provide to the local community; not only do their clients value having a friend to talk to and socialise with on a regular basis, there are also serious, potential health benefits for patients.
If you would like to learn more about Herriot Hospice Homecare, how their Volunteer Sitting service works and the other vital services they offer, you can read more about their project and vote here.
Please note that voting closes midday on 18th November.
