For the past 10 years, Alsager Community Support (ACS) has been helping residents in Alsager - making their lives better.

Whether you need a bit of advice, or a helping hand, ACS is here for you. We welcome everyone who contacts us at ACS with a friendly face and a listening ear.

And its brilliant 'Home from Hospital' is just one example of the amazing support they offer to local residents.

Brian and Dot were referred to ACS's Home from Hospital service, to give Dot some much needed respite support. 

She wanted to know that Brian would be in safe hands when she needed to attend to matters outside their home, and for her to have some time to herself. 

Alsager Community Support offers a 'Home from Hospital' service. (Photo: Nub News)

Wynne (ACS Befriender) was carefully matched with them, based on personality and interests. Knowing that Brian and Wynne got on so well and that their relationship was so enriching gave Dot great joy and peace of mind.

Dot explained how grateful she is for this support as what it means to her. "I was sceptical to say the least, but right from the first day you just spoke normally to Brian and he tried his best to talk back and he was sad when you had to go but you said "don't worry Brian I'll be back next week," she said.

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"And when you did come next week, and the following two weeks, his face lit up with a "hiya Wynne, it's good to see you" with a handshake.

"He remembered your name and was so happy to see you. You had such a way of making him feel like he had a friend coming to see him and as you carried on coming once a week for many months, he looked forward to Wednesdays.

ACS Befriender, Wynne with Brian. (Photo: Alsager Community Support)

"I was so happy that he had something to look forward to especially as all his friends except one had slowly deserted him and he'd get tearful and ask "where are all my mates??"

"I'd make excuses for them, but you talked about football, his love and knowledge of music amongst other things. He always fell asleep after you left but he had a small smile every time.

"Top Man" he would say. But you are more than a volunteer, you are a loving, caring, person with a heart of gold. Volunteer? No!

"A great friend who was an invaluable part of Brian's life. You gave him back some dignity so thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Wynne explained his role as a Home from Hospital volunteer befriender with Brian and Dot.

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"I was introduced to Brian and Dot by the ACS Volunteer Coordinator last year. Brian had just come out of hospital and had also been diagnosed with dementia previously," said Wynne.

"What struck me was the love and strong partnership they both had for each other. Dot was the main carer for Brian and was absolutely brilliant.

"I used to sit with Brian whilst Dot went out to catch up with all the general things in life. I would chat with Brian about all sorts of things and realised he and the family had led a full and active life.

"Family was everything! During my time with Brian and Dot we became close friends and it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to share a small part of their lives during the most challenging of times.

"It emphasised to me the importance of valuing health and making the most of every day. I would encourage everyone to volunteer; I really enjoy the role of becoming a friend and get so much out of it.

Wynne was so touched by his relationship with Brian and Dot that he decided to do a 10k swim for Dementia Uk and raised money in his memory.

We hope this story will highlight the impact of our work and the people behind it who make it happen.

YOU can make local lives better by……

Spreading the word

Volunteering with us

Using our uniform recycling scheme

Giving a one-off donation or becoming a regular supporter

Contact us on 01270 876605, [email protected] or check out our new website to make a donation on https://www.alsagercommunitysupport.org.uk/

Alsager Nub News is proud that Alsager Community Support (ACS) is a sponsor of our news service.

ACS's support helps us to deliver the high-quality journalism that Alsager deserves - no clickbait or intrusive ads, just the latest updates on what's happening in our town.

It is thanks to the generosity of organisations like ACS that we can continue our mission to revive local news, both in Alsager and across the UK.

ACS is more than just a Charity — it's a place where people come together to support each other and make a real difference." - follow this link here

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