What is a Compassionate Community?
Compassionate Communities is a public health approach that enables us all to ‘live well until the end of life’.
A Compassionate Community supports individuals and families throughout life (including at the end of life) for issues related to age, disability, illness or bereavement. The community could be family, neighbours, local organisations, a faith group, local businesses or people living in a particular area.
Compassionate Communities are committed to changing attitude and behaviour towards life, age, death and loss through raising awareness and education in partnership with individuals, communities and organisations.
The Council is fully dedicated to Compassionate Communities. This is highlighted within Council’s Strategic Growth Plan and is a clear commitment to making it happen.
The Compassionate City Charter is a set of 13 principles which cover the civic aspect of our lives, how we can become engaged in compassionate activities in the workplace, churches and temples, our state institutions, our media, our educational institutions amongst others.
This Charter represents a commitment by the Council to embrace a view of health and wellbeing that embraces community empathy, directly supporting its inhabitants.
You may find more detailed information on the Charter here:
https://www.compassionate-communitiesuk.co.uk/the-compassionate-city-charter
North West ‘Reach Out’ Scheme
Compassionate Communities ‘Reach Out’ is a voluntary service which recognises that end of life care is a social as well as a medical issue. The project aims to build capacity within communities by supporting those who are living with life limiting illness to remain living independently in their own homes, making a reality of a public health approach to end of life care which will enable all of our citizens to age well.
Trained Compassionate Neighbours provide weekly contact with people who have become isolated and lonely at home as a result of illness.
A regular visit from a trusted companion for just a few hours a week can make all the difference to someone who feels isolated and alone. It might be as simple as going for a cup of tea, enjoying a shared interest or a trip to the local community centre.
Spending some time in the company of others can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve mental well-being. By offering a few hours a week you will have a positive impact on someone’s life when they need help the most.
Want to get involved?
If interested in becoming a volunteer or know of someone who could benefit from the support of Compassionate Communities please contact the Project Facilitator, Sharon Williams on 02871359888 or 07590354365 or email [email protected]
For further information on compassionate communities see the following links:
www.compassionatecommunitiesni.com
https://www.compassionate-communitiesuk.co.uk/
=