Good Neighbours (Newcastle)
Helping people across Newcastle with practical tasks and friendly support.
The Good Neighbours Newcastle project recruits, trains and supports volunteers, who provide “a little bit of help” to people who may be socially isolated, have a physical or mental health condition or disability, or who don’t have many people around them.
Delivered by Volunteering Matters in partnership with Newcastle City Council, Search Newcastle and St Martin’s Centre, the project supports adults who need extra help at home, while giving volunteers the opportunity to strengthen and make a big difference in their community.
We all would all live in a place that has sense of community, and where people have positive health and wellbeing, and look out for one another.
In 2025, Volunteering Matters partnered with Newcastle City Council to create Good Neighbours Newcastle. The aim is to help people remain independent, connected and supported in their own homes through practical help and friendly social support from trained local volunteers.
The service is available to adults aged 18 and over who live in Newcastle.
You may benefit if you:
- Feel socially isolated
- Have limited support around you
- Find certain tasks difficult due to age, disability or health
- Need short term help to stay independent at home
There is no cost to receive support. The project is funded by Newcastle City Council.
How to get involved
I need support
Get help with small practical tasks or friendly visits.
I want to volunteer
Give a little time to support someone in your community.
What kind of help is available?
Our volunteers can provide short term or one off support such as:
Practical help
- Grocery shopping
- Collecting prescriptions
- Light tidying or cleaning
- Light gardening
- Small household jobs, such as putting up a curtain rail
- Help with paperwork or forms
- Help getting online
Getting out and about
- Driving to appointments or activities
- Accompanying someone to a GP, dentist or hospital appointment
- Dog walking
Social support
- Visiting for a cuppa and chat
- Telephone buddy calls
- Respite visits to give carers a short break
- Signposting to other local services
“
I really appreciate this, I know it seems like such a little thing but it’ll improve my day to day so much. I’ll be singing your praises.
– Individual supported through the project, March 2026
How it works
Step 1
You complete a short referral form or contact us directly.
Step 2
A member of our team will call you to talk about what help is offered and how.
Step 3
We match you with a trained local volunteer.
Step 4
The volunteer contacts you to arrange the task or visit.
We will always explain who is coming and what to expect. Our team is available if you have any questions or concerns.
Get in touch
If you are unsure whether we can help, please email
Making a difference in Newcastle
Since launching, Good Neighbours Newcastle has supported:
176
Referrals received
63
Current local volunteers
1006
Volunteer hours delivered in Newcastle over the last year
We are proud to strengthen communities across Newcastle.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The project is funded by Newcastle City Council. There is no charge to receive support.
No. Support is usually short term or one off. The focus is on small acts of help that make a big difference.
Yes. All volunteers complete an Enhanced DBS check with Adults Barred List check before supporting anyone.
Yes. Family members, friends and professionals can all complete a referral form.
The project supports people who live in Newcastle. If you live elsewhere, we may be able to signpost you to another service.
If you have another question, please contact us.
This project is kindly supported by
