Good Neighbour Schemes are local voluntary groups who support those in need of help in their community. In 2017, CAS received funding from the Big Lottery to increase the number of schemes in Suffolk and support those already operating around the county.
What is a Good Neighbour Scheme?
A Good Neighbour Scheme is a voluntary initiative run by a group of local residents who want to help their people in their locality to enjoy a better quality of life by offering them support with every day tasks. This helps to build a stronger and more resilient community where people know each other and help out where needed. The schemes are generally operated via a mobile phone held by a volunteer who will put users in touch with a volunteer who can help them. To find out more about setting up a Good Neighbour Scheme, contact Jane (details below).
In 2015 there were approximately 680 volunteers who carried out around 10,000 tasks supporting people in their community.
Year One Evaluation
Community Action Suffolk is committed to understanding the impact of Good Neighbour Schemes and developing the project in response to the changing needs during the grant period. The charity has commissioned an independent evaluator (Steve Allman) who has evaluated the impact of Big Lottery Fund projects around the UK, but also happens to live in Suffolk. The evaluator is working alongside the GNS Development Officer at regular intervals throughout the duration of the project to support CAS in evidencing impact, identifying potential gaps and opportunities and to build a robust case for support.
Please click the link below to view the Evaluation Report:
Good Neighbour Scheme Evaluation Y1 – Steve Allman – January 2019
Where are the schemes and how do I contact them?
There are a number of schemes at present across Suffolk, serving dozens of parishes and tens of thousands of people. Here is a list of the schemes and their contact numbers:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk |
Acton |
07707 850126 |
Bacton, Cotton & Wyverstone |
07980 948641 |
Botesdale & Rickinghall (Transport only) |
07751 438534 |
Brantham |
07541 359036 |
Chelmondiston |
01473 780588
01473 780480
01473 780001
01473 780005 |
Clare Liaison and Support Project |
07724 698283 (Car Aid)
01787 277743 (Senior Club) |
Dagworth, Old Newton & Gipping (DONG) |
01449 615292 |
Harkstead & Lower Holbrook |
01473 328326 |
Lavenham |
07922 850082 |
Long Melford |
07504 249179 |
Onehouse, Harleston & Shelland |
07762 132840 |
Shotley & Erwarton |
07799 873881 |
Stowupland |
07591 539621 |
Stradbroke & Wilby |
07749 445531 |
Stutton Support Network |
01473 327753 |
Tattingstone |
07895 052086 |
East Suffolk |
Aldeburgh (AGNES) |
07773 031064 |
Aldringham cum Thorpe |
07521 047843 |
Cookley & Walpole |
07717 529601 |
Framlingham – Hour Community |
01728 440511 |
Halesworth and surrounding villages – Isolation Busters |
01986 875600 |
Halesworth Bus Buddies (Bus service offering help) |
01986 875900 |
Leiston |
07724777465 |
Southwold Voluntary Help Centre |
01502 724549 |
Snape |
07541 754426 |
Hollesley/Boyton/Shingle Street |
07707850126 |
Rendlesham |
O7486 551004 |
Wickham Market |
07914 494108 |
West Suffolk |
Barrow & Denham |
07930 328930 |
Barton Mills |
07419 211040 |
Great Barton |
07732 876725 |
Horringer |
07532 274795 |
Lakenheath |
07857 801802 |
The Living Good Neighbours (Ingham, Gt Livermere & Ampton) |
07880 699774 |
The Good Neighbour Scheme network
This network is open to all VCSE sector organisations, which you can choose to join when becoming a CAS member (membership is free). You will receive email updates when we have relevant news and information to share. You do not have to be involved in an existing Good Neighbour Scheme to join this network.
Purpose of the Suffolk Good Neighbour Schemes network
To bring Good Neighbour Scheme coordinators together through an annual meeting, direct contact and a quarterly newsletter which enables them to:
- discuss relevant current issues
- share good practice
- offer peer support
I’m interested in starting a Good Neighbour Scheme, what do I do?
Contact Jane (details below) who will talk you through the necessary steps.
Suffolk Good Neighbour Network contact:
For further information contact Jane Arkley-Crouch, Good Neighbour Scheme Development Officer:
T: 01473 345429
M: 07598 905184
E: jane.arkley-crouch@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk
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