The Smile Project

Since beginning my journey within Groundwork Greater Nottingham, I have been fortunate enough to help reduce the negative effects of loneliness and isolation that people have faced, especially during Covid 19. Groundwork has been built upon the belief that wherever you are born or live, everyone should have the right to access the same chances.  

The process of the Smile project begins with a phone call, in this phone call I will ask the individuals questions regarding what they would like to gain from the programme and get a better understanding of who the individual is. Next, the assessment will go under review and a decision will be made regarding whether the individual would benefit best from the support we can offer or if they would be best suited to another project/programme.  

A volunteer befriender then gets in contact with the individual to set up meetings or calls – if they prefer, with the person and hopefully helps them rejoin their community. 

Befrienders are volunteers. A lot of our volunteers are individuals who have seen an advert somewhere and wanted to get involved in the community and help others, or from services such as NCVS who have recommended people they think would benefit from volunteering. These volunteers are trained to provide support and companionship to lonely, or emotionally distressed, people. Such individuals contact people weekly to offer a listening ear, information about groups, providing general advice, practical support, support with attending medical appointments, walks in the park, home visits, and will aim to help people access local community groups. 

It is a pleasure to know the small interactions I have with these individuals will positively impact them in many ways. The change that the volunteers have made to the individual is shown through their lives today: Simon, an individual who used our befriending service, had stated the project had made a huge difference to his wellbeing and continues to benefit from the support our volunteer and service give him.  

The Smile project, though one of the more difficult roles I have within Groundwork Greater Nottingham, is one of the most satisfactory. In this I get to see an impact on people, quite immediately – during the initial assessment I make with the individual. I quite often find myself talking to people and the call ending with them saying thank you – within this moment I tend to reflect on the opportunity that has just been provided to the individual; the opportunity to make a friend, find a hobby, join a group and so many more. 

If you or anyone you know could benefit from the Smile project, please do not hesitate to contact us at befriending@groundworknottingham.org.uk  

Or 

 visit our website https://staging-groundwork.kinsta.cloud/projects/smile-project/ to find out more information and access our online form.  

Aliya Hussain – Community Development Assistant.

aliya.hussain@groundworknottingham.org.uk