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:

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