Although Fairfield is considered a friendly place with a great community spirit, it is a sad fact that many people in any community do not feel that they can count on their immediate neighbours in an emergency. The Stotfold Good Neighbour Group exists to offer neighbourly support to anybody in the Stotfold and Fairfield areas who does not feel able to ask their close neighbours for support for whatever reason – perhaps because they do not know them well enough, because they often seem busy with their own lives or because they feel they have already asked one favour too many.

This voluntary local care scheme offers practical help not only to the elderly and disabled, but to anyone finding it hard to cope. Parents with young children are another group who often call on our services, although we cannot work directly with the children. Volunteers aim to give the sort of help a good neighbour might offer – sorting out practical tasks around the home (changing light bulbs or smoke alarm batteries, for example), offering advice or helping to fill in forms, giving occasional lifts to the doctor or hospital, picking up prescriptions or shopping. We can also do one-off garden tidy ups or walk a dog short term while you’re unable to do those things yourself, or just pop in for a cup of tea and a chat if you don’t manage to get out and see people very often.

All volunteers are DBS checked and carry the group’s identification badge with a photo, and tasks are carried out in the strictest confidence. Help is free unless expenses such as petrol or parking have been incurred, and the service is offered in addition to any help received from Social Services or other professional agencies. If you live in the Fairfield or Stotfold area and you think the Good Neighbour Group can help you, phone 07599 925587 between 8am and 3pm any day, including weekends, and speak to one of our volunteers.

Wendy Craig, Chair of Stotfold Good Neighbour Group