Adults Supporting Adults (ASA), ‘Shop2Gether’ is proving to be a real success for those who are accessing the resource within Lincolnshire. Started last year, the project is designed for people who need support with their shopping. Volunteers collect the person from home, drive to the supermarket, assist in the store, have a drink and a cake, then return home to help put everything away.
Mr John Clay (85) from Spalding who is diagnosed with COPD and has been with the project since it began, says, ‘’I tell all my friends and neighbours about Shop2Gether, it’s cheaper than a taxi, plus you have the support when you are shopping, which is great as I find it difficult to reach up or bend down for certain items. Mel picks me up at the same time every week and we have developed a good friendship, he’s very talkative and we always go for something to eat afterwards. I could get by on my scooter, but this way it is safer, more fun and I can get to a bigger store”. Going shopping with Mel allows me to spend time with my family doing other things for which I am grateful.’’
Mel Mashford became involved with Shop2Gether when he saw an advert in the local volunteer bureau. He says that resource enables him ‘’to be helpful to others and at the same time give something back to the community’’ in which he feels valued by the people he supports. Mel notes that ‘’the training was informative and I look forward to meeting up with Mr Clay each week and supporting him in what he wants to do, we’ve built a good rapport.’’
Co-ordinator, Toni Neaverson, added “the Shop2Gether resource is a free service because it is supported by volunteers from within the local community who are given induction training and a CRB Check. The only cost incurred to the person is mileage and possibly a cup of coffee and a cake. It really is a worthwhile project to be involved with and it compliments all of the other resources that ASA provides, in which we support some 350 plus clients across the whole of the county. We currently have 16 volunteers supporting a number of people in the community through Shop2Gether, and we are continuing to develop this resource and recruit more people”.
To find out more about the resources provided by ASA in your community or to become a volunteer call us on 01529 416270 or visit the website at: www.asaorg.co.uk
