Jason and Dave’s Story

Spending quality time together

After losing his wife, Jason has found support through the Compassionate Neighbour programme and has since developed a special bond with volunteer, Dave.

Jason, says:

“Having Dave as a Compassionate Neighbour has been great for me. We get on really well and it’s just like having a friend visit. I still drive and can get out independently but it’s nice to be able to do that with Dave so he can support me with my mobility. I’ve just had a hip operation so I’ve been a bit less mobile than usual and it has been good to have Dave’s company each week while I recover.

“I’d recommend Compassionate Neighbours to anybody. It’s such a lovely way to meet someone new and it’s great to have that appointment in your diary each week if you’re feeling isolated.”

Dave says:

“I love supporting Jason each week. He has mobility issues so I can support him with getting out of the house. We often go to the supermarket together or we tend to jobs around his house.

“Being a Compassionate Neighbour is all about doing things with your community member, not for them. So I don’t do DIY for Jason, we do things together.

“I really enjoy our afternoons together each week. Jason has led such an interesting life that there’s always a new tale to hear or a fact about him that I didn’t know. Jason’s big love is cars and he’s very knowledgeable about them. We can talk for hours about cars and he also enjoys showing me his own beloved car.

“Jason and I meet on a different day each week. I work part time but my working pattern isn’t fixed. So we just get in touch each week and arrange a day that works for both of us, between my work and Jason’s medical appointments. That’s something I really like about being a Compassionate Neighbour, it’s very flexible. You can meet any day of the week that works for you – whether that’s a weekday or weekend – and arrange it to suit you both.”

In December this year, Dave treated Jason, to a Christmas lights taxi tour of London’s West End! After a turkey lunch at a Baker Street pub, Dave took Jason on a tour of Marylebone, Mayfair and Soho, including the lights of Bond Street. What a great way to mark the festive season together!