Alsager Community Support is at the heart of the community and their dedicated volunteers are at the heart of everything they do.

As they say: "Without them, there would be no Alsager Community Support. From giving lifts and collecting prescriptions to offering a listening ear, our volunteers make a real difference in people's lives every single day."

In this article, we speak to two volunteer befrienders whose role is a vital support network for an individual who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or other challenges.

Jill Volunteer Befriender

"A few years ago, when my husband and I were considering a move to Alsager. We spent time visiting weekly to get a real sense of the place. 

"From the very beginning we were struck by the strong sense of community that the town had to offer. Four years on from making Alsager our home, we've never looked back. We truly feel part of something special here."

So why did Jill join Alsager Community Support?

"Looking for new challenges and ways to give back, I began volunteering with Alsager Community Support (ACS)," said Jill.

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"I quickly found joy and purpose in helping in the Centre and later became a Befriender. The experience has been deeply rewarding for me knowing that I'm helping to ease loneliness for others has made a real difference, not only to those I support but to my own sense of fulfilment. 

"Loneliness affects people of all ages, and ACS's befriending service is a lifeline for many. It's heartening to see this vital provision growing, month by month.

"Inspired by my involvement, my husband decided to offer a helping hand. He began assisting a local lady with her garden - tidying, removing rubbish, mowing the lawn, painting her shed. Her heartfelt gratitude, even moved to tears, reminded him just how powerful simple acts of kindness can be. 

"It was a wonderful moment and gave him a deep sense of achievement to know he had made a positive difference in someone's life."

Mark Volunteer Befriender

Alsager Community Support's befriender, Mark, with Joe who he has literally helped 'get back on his feet'. (Photo: Alsager Community Support)

Mark said: "I began visiting Joe in February this year after he left hospital following a stroke. His sister lives locally but his children and grandchildren live in Essex, making it difficult to stay in touch.

"Joe moved from Essex for personal reasons; he firstly lived in Crewe and then moved to Alsager having found accommodation through Plus Dane Housing - a one bed first floor flat. Then Joe had the stroke.

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"Our first meet involved shopping trips and a coffee afterwards in Chatwins (other coffee shops are available!) and a slow walk back to Joe's.

"We attended the Stroke Survivors Speech and Language Support Group too, which now meets at Alsager Social Club on a Thursday.

"So, Joe was beginning to get – literally back on his feet – when I find out he had another stroke. It was really frustrating for Joe given the progress he had made to then have this huge set back.

"So, visits to the hospital began to keep up contact, as mentioned Joe's family are a long way away so visiting Joe his maintained contact with the outside world.

"Joe has been home for a while now, so we've resumed our shopping and coffee routine. Joe is gaining strength and walking, although sometimes uses the wheelchair from time to time which also keeps me fit as well!

"When you are pushing a wheelchair, you realise how bad the pavements are to navigate, not just for Joe but anyone.

"Joe is only in his fifties so at such a relatively young age, it's important to empower and encourage Joe to do as much as he can.

"We enjoy a bit of banter and each other's company, and we both find the befriending experience rewarding. Alsager Community Support has also helped Joe with transport, benefit claims and an ongoing search for better accommodation on one level, as Joe finds the stairs in his current flat difficult.

"Befriending is rewarding for us both and captures something special about this kind of community support - it's not just about helping; it's about genuine human connection that enriches both lives.

"Alsager Community Support provides exactly the kind of wraparound help that makes the difference between someone just surviving and actually being able to rebuild their life."

Befriending someone is a really worthwhile and rewarding aspect of the work we do and means you too can help make local lives better!

We hope these stories 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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