Hande, Omer & Janet's Compassionate Neighbours story

Hande's Story

“Everything started two years ago when I met Sue Shaw. She introduced me to Heart of Kent Hospice and Compassionate Neighbours. I wanted to improve my English, socialize, learn about the culture of my new country, and meet people. 

“A month after meeting Sue, I started to attend the Compassionate Neighbours coffee morning meetings. When I shared my excitement with Omer, he was impressed and we attended the training together. And we both became Compassionate Neighbours.

“We met Janet at the coffee mornings and we really liked her. We offered to be matched with her and she accepted. We have been meeting for about a year now. Sometimes at our home, sometimes at her home, sometimes in a park and sometimes in a cafe. She is truly an amazing person. With her life experience, perspective, knowledge, and skills, she sets an example for us. When she learned that I was interested in cross-stitching, she shared her own models with me. We loved a song we heard for the first time at her house and even added it to our music list.

Janet's Story

“Omer and Hande came to see me recently for a cappuccino and a mince pie, in fact they made the cappuccino together and were quite at home in my Kitchen.   We had a lovely morning together and talked about all sorts of things, which is what we do when we meet up.  We also regularly send each other e-mails, always enjoyable.

“I have had a Compassionate Neighbour before, a lovely lady called Ros, who was there when I needed her most. Time went by my husband passed away, he had severe Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.  It was a dreadful time.  I was trying to cope with my own health problems. Looking back now I realise just how bad things were. About three months after Brian passed away, I started going to the Social Hub, which met at The Pippin Restaurant on the London Road.  We then went on to meet at The Sir Thomas Wyatt, which is where I met Omer and Hande, who are such a delightful young couple.

“It was a great pleasure for me when they asked if I would like them to be my Compassionate Neighbours. 

“Right from the start there was a connection and as time went by this has become more pronounced. We talk about many things, some were worthy of what I call 'A Nights Talk' which we will be getting back to.  Last November, my eldest Sister was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away in July.  Omer and Hande have given me tremendous support. I have been taken out for coffee lots of times, and memorable outings. We had a lovely afternoon at Teston Bridge Country Park.  Omer brought some deck chairs.  Another time was Mote Park and Omer again brought the deck chairs.  Recently we all went down to Allington Locks.

“It is wonderful how our relationship has spanned the generation gap, I have shared a lovely Turkish meal at their home with their two sons.  Last month it was my birthday and Omer, Hande, and their two sons sent me a video of them singing Happy Birthday, I was really touched.

“I am so glad that I am a part of the Compassionate Neighbours social hub.  The support I have received has been immeasurable.”  

Could you be a Compassionate Neighbour?

Could you give just 1 - 2 hours a week to offer friendship and support to a person in your local community affected by terminal illness or frailty and experiencing loneliness or social isolation?

As a Compassionate Neighbour, you’ll need to be aged 18 or over and complete an enhanced DBS check. You will be provided with a full training programme. The training courses are informal, interactive and give you the opportunity to explore how to use your compassion and time to help others. Please see our up-to-date list of training dates.

To find out more about becoming a Compassionate Neighbour and to register for the next free training days on Friday 24 November & Friday 1 December please visit https://www.hokh.org/support-us/volunteer-for-us/compassionate-neighbours/