Supporting Older People Across the New Forest
HOPe (Helping Older People New Forest) supports older people across the New Forest to feel less alone, more connected and truly part of their community. Through a combination of one-to-one befriending and practical support, the organisation helps older people remain independent, confident and supported within their own homes.
Many older people face increasing isolation, reduced mobility, bereavement, health concerns or difficulties managing everyday tasks, particularly in an increasingly digital world. HOPe exists to ensure that older residents have access to companionship, practical guidance and trusted support when they need it most.
At the heart of the organisation are its volunteers, whose time, kindness and commitment make these services possible.
Volunteers at the Heart of HOPe 
HOPe’s volunteers provide both emotional and practical support to older people across the community. Through regular visits, phone calls and one-to-one support, volunteers help reduce loneliness, build confidence and offer reassurance to people who may otherwise have very little social contact.
The role volunteers play is often simple in nature but deeply meaningful in impact. A friendly conversation, help understanding paperwork or support attending a local activity can make a significant difference to someone’s wellbeing and quality of life.
Together, volunteers help create stronger and kinder communities where older people feel valued, connected and supported.
“I have found volunteering with the Hope Charity to be such a rewarding experience. My time spent with (name removed) gave us both something to look forward to each week.”
HOPe’s Befriending Service
HOPe’s Befriending Service provides companionship and social connection for older people who may otherwise feel isolated or alone.
Volunteers offer regular visits and phone calls tailored to each individual’s needs, interests and circumstances. For many people supported through the service, these conversations and visits become an important and valued part of their weekly routine.
Volunteers may:
- Visit someone at home for tea and conversation
- Offer regular friendship and companionship
- Make reassuring phone calls and welfare check-ins
- Accompany someone to a local group or activity
- Support short shopping trips or gentle walks
- Attend community events or outings together
- Help people feel more confident leaving the house and reconnecting socially
For older people living alone, a HOPe volunteer may be one of the few consistent social connections they have. These regular interactions help reduce loneliness and provide reassurance, familiarity and emotional support.
HOPe’s Support Service
Alongside befriending, HOPe also provides practical support through its dedicated Support Service.
Many older people face increasing challenges managing forms, digital systems, financial paperwork and benefit applications. Tasks that may once have seemed straightforward can become stressful or overwhelming, particularly when services increasingly rely on online systems and digital communication.
HOPe’s volunteers and support staff provide one-to-one guidance to help older people understand and manage these processes with confidence.
Support includes help with:
- Attendance Allowance applications
- Pension Credit claims
- Blue Badge applications
- Disability rights and pension allowances
- Housing or rent concerns
- Utility bills and financial paperwork
- Completing online and paper forms
- Understanding letters, emails and official correspondence
- Navigating websites and digital systems
This support helps people remain independent; access the financial support they are entitled to and feel more in control of their daily lives.
Families also benefit from knowing that someone knowledgeable and trusted is available to help their loved ones manage important practical matters.
The Difference Volunteers Make
HOPe volunteers make a quiet but far-reaching difference across the New Forest community.
For older people experiencing loneliness or reduced social contact, regular visits and calls help restore a sense of routine, friendship and connection. Having someone who listens, notices changes and genuinely cares can have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing and confidence.
The practical support provided through HOPe’s Support Service also helps reduce stress and uncertainty. Volunteers help people navigate complicated systems, access financial support and avoid unnecessary difficulties or costs.
The impact extends beyond the individuals receiving support. Families gain peace of mind knowing their relatives are regularly checked on and supported. Health and care professionals benefit from having a trusted organisation they can refer people to when additional social or practical support is needed.
Neighbours, carers and local services also benefit when older people feel safer, more connected and more confident living independently at home.
Through their consistency, compassion and commitment, volunteers help restore a sense of belonging, security and stability for the people they support.
Impact in Numbers – 2025/26
HOPe’s volunteer-led support has made a significant impact across the New Forest community.
During 2025/26 the organisation delivered:
- Over 5,000 hours of befriending support
- Support for 282 new clients through the Support Service
- 435 emails handled through the Support Service
- 505 telephone support calls
- 427 home visits carried out through the Support Service
- Support delivered by 65 volunteers
These figures reflect the scale of support volunteers provide and the growing need for services that reduce isolation and help older people remain independent.
Building Stronger Communities
HOPe demonstrates how volunteering can strengthen entire communities by creating meaningful human connection and ensuring older people do not face later life alone.
Whether through companionship, practical guidance or emotional reassurance, volunteers help improve quality of life for older people while building stronger local support networks around them.
Their contribution highlights the importance of kindness, patience and community spirit in helping people remain connected and valued at every stage of life.
“I was offered a Befriender – I accepted as my family live a long way away and I thought it would give them peace of mind. My son rings every evening to check whether I am behaving myself! Having cared for my husband with Dementia for many years, I was catching up with myself and my interests. But what had I done? Would I get on with that person calling – would she correct me? Would I feel bored? No, No, No, – I can’t explain how I look forward to that weekly visit as I don’t see anyone else!
From the moment she arrived, I knew we would be alright. I so look forward to that time together, for I can express my feelings, pleasures, concerns and receive peace of mind. We compare our childhood and past lives, Geographical places, and where we have been, opinions of today, TV, Crafts, Meals, our gardens, shopping, and Food ideas. How to dispose of rubbish now! I remind myself that I must ask for help with minor things like opening jars and bottles now that my fingers are weak, occasional queries with my iPhone, and the computer (that I had lost my faith in, now it is updated), for there is always a sensible reply I hadn’t thought of! I enjoy hearing about local happenings and what her family have been up to or has planned. I am glad of suggestions for my safety – firm support for my feet, not sloppy slippers, and removal of mats in the house that might cause a trip up.
So, am I glad I have a Befriender?? I certainly am! ”
Volunteers’ Week 2026
During Volunteers’ Week 2026, HOPe is recognising and celebrating the dedication of its volunteers whose compassion and commitment make a lasting difference across the New Forest.
Their support not only helps older people feel less isolated and more confident but also strengthens the wider community by creating a culture of care, connection and inclusion.
Through every visit, phone call and conversation, HOPe volunteers continue to show the powerful difference that volunteering can make.