Our Community Outreach service supports vulnerable and isolated individuals and carers in Lanarkshire affected by a life-limiting illness including; cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and progressive neurological conditions.

We are delighted that the National Lottery have agreed to fund this important service for 3 years.

The Community Outreach team offer emotional, therapeutic and practical support to help individuals and families identify, value and build on their strengths to achieve the best possible quality of life.

The team is comprised of:

• A Support Worker who can provide information and practical support appropriate to each individual’s needs. The Support Worker will identify if patients or carers would benefit from regular support from a Befriender.
• A qualified Complementary Therapist will provide a variety of supportive treatments such as reiki, reflexology, massage and aromatherapy.
• Volunteer Befrienders – to provide friendship, support and short-term respite.
• The Community Outreach Team will be supported by the Outpatient and Community Team Manager, along with clinical administrative support based at St Andrew’s Hospice.

Aims of the Community Outreach service:
• Enable people to stay at home longer
• Offer advice and information to enable individuals to cope with their current situation
• Reduce social isolation – allowing people to connect with friends and family and access online/digital resources which incorporate their hobbies and interests to help reduce boredom and promote wellbeing.
• Support carers and reduce the impact on their physical and mental wellbeing
• Provide emotional and practical support to patients and carers
• Signpost and refer to other agencies/services

Referral Criteria
• Adults living in Lanarkshire with a life-limiting illness and progressive disease
• Adults who are currently unable to access St Andrew’s Hospice outpatient services or other community services
• Carers of adults living in Lanarkshire with life-limiting illness

Referrals to this service can be made by Health and Social Care Professionals.

Please download our Community Outreach referral form and return to the e-mail address provided.

For further information, please access our Community Outreach Service leaflet here.