Garden House Hospice Care's Compassionate Neighbours scheme, aimed at reducing loneliness, has won a national award.

The service won the 'Community Health & Wellbeing Impact in Hertfordshire' award at the Business Awards UK.

Compassionate Neighbours, which started in 2018, matches volunteers with elderly, frail or bereaved individuals who have life-limiting conditions and lack a support network.

The volunteers provide friendship and help the individuals attend the hospice's Wellbeing Hubs.

So far, 1,641 people have been referred to the service.

Jeanette Farrow, the hospice's Compassionate Neighbours manager, said: "I was thrilled just to be announced as a finalist for the award, but to actually win it is unbelievable.

"It would not have been possible without our Compassionate Neighbours who work tirelessly to serve their community.

"It’s down to them that we’re winners."

The hospice currently has 526 Compassionate Neighbours and aims to train 100 new volunteers and open six new Wellbeing Hubs this year.

The 11th Wellbeing Hub will open at St Martin’s Parish Centre in Knebworth on August 21.

The hospice is looking for volunteers to help run the hub, with duties including leading exercise sessions, serving refreshments, and providing a listening ear.

According to the Hospice, many community members describe the hub as 'the highlight of their week'.

One family member of a hub attendee said: "Compassionate Neighbours have been amazing – so kind and generous.

"The hub is the highlight of Dad’s week and he is always talking about it.

"I don’t live locally and so it is really nice to know there are people looking out for Dad and doing things with him."

According to the hospice, there are more than 200,000 people living in the UK who have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month which in terms of health impact is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

People interested in volunteering at the Knebworth hub, or who want to visit someone one-to-one, can visit ghhospicecare.org.uk/compassionate-neighbours to apply or call 01462 679540 (option 8).