ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019
NEVILL GOOD NEIGHBOURS
We have now been running for two years and the scheme is being used
increasingly frequently. In our first year (2017/2018) we answered 105
requests for help and this year (2018/2019) this has increased to165, and may even have been under recorded. This shows a minimum increase of 57%. Requests for lifts remain our most frequent form of help.
COMMITTEE
We have not needed to meet as frequently as we did in our first year because the scheme is running smoothly, although we email one another when
matters need to be discussed. Considerable thanks are due to our secretary, Sue, who writes detailed minutes which are always produced within hours of each meeting.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Action in Rural Sussex (AIRS) organised regular network meetings for all the local good neighbour schemes, where experiences and ideas were
exchanged and training offered. We hosted a Falls Prevention Course at St Mary’s Church Hall, which was attended by several members of the Ringmer Good Neighbour Scheme as well as some of our own members.
Readers of Lewes News will have noticed that Jane Goyder is interested in starting up a GNS in the Southover area and Nevill GNS has offered support. Someone living in the Wallands area also contacted us for information and is interested in doing the same.
VOLUNTEERS and HELPED NEIGHBOURS
Enormous thanks to all our volunteers who provide such important and
valuable support. We have a core group of around twenty volunteers and,
although there have been several enquiries from prospective new volunteers, none has progressed any further, despite follow up calls and emails. Thank you Felicity-Ann for both looking after volunteers and keeping records up to date. Many thanks are due to all who act as phone holder on a monthly basis, and particular thanks go to John, who has decided to step down; fortunately he is willing to continue as a committee member, as we value both his expertise and humour. We continue to receive appreciative thanks from our users, particularly those who use the service frequently.
COMMUNICATION
The website continues to provide important information and has been visited by several care professionals looking to network and access support for clients. Comments from users have been complimentary. Thank you Mike for your web mastery and general technical support.
FINANCE
Our Treasurer, Simmy, has provided a separate financial report which details our income and expenditure for the year. Thank you for keeping a close eye on our finances and for arranging for our accounts to be independently
examined. A donation from St Anne’s church and cash donations from several private individuals have increased our balance significantly. When DBS checks come up for renewal within the next year, we will have funds ready to pay for them.
PUBLICITY
Kate has been active in publicising our scheme by: sending a write up of our first AGM and an article from Sheila Kay to the Sussex Express; sharing our leaflet on Facebook (attracting several likes and shares); having an article
included in January’s Lewes News; putting up posters in the shop and at St Mary’s Church Hall; and advertising today’s AGM on Nextdoor and the Lewes Facebook page. Thank you for being so proactive.
FUNDING
Frances successfully applied for grants to ESCC which provide important funding for our running costs, largely insurance, publicity, DBS checks, website and phone. Thank you for taking on the unenviable job of extensive form filling and for gathering together important data.
SOCIAL
AIRS have invited all members of local GNSs to a get together in the Lecture Room of the Town Hall (first entrance in Fisher Street, room on the left at the top of the stairs, there is a lift) on Wednesday 12th June, 7-10 pm, where refreshments will be provide. All are welcome, lifts available if needed.
Penny Ollosson
Chair
Nevill Good Neighbours 