Half a year into a hospice's compassionate neighbours project 23 people have signed up.

St Clare Hospice launched the community-led project in February in a bid to provide support to people with life-limiting illness.

Since then 23 have signed up volunteers throughout the charity’s catchment area, each offering their time, companionship and a listening ear to people living in their community who are coping with illness, old age or loneliness.

St Clare hopes to recruit 50 Compassionate Neighbours within the first year of the project, calling on caring members of the public from the Uttlesford District, Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow and Epping Forest areas, to come forward and join the ranks of its volunteers.

Stacey Towler, compassionate neighbours manager, said: “The important thing is that the relationship between a Compassionate Neighbour and a Community Member is equal.

"It is not about a person having care or a service ‘done to them’, but about two people connecting and sharing time together in a way which has a positive impact on both of their well beings.”

To find out more about the project contact Ms Towler on 01279 773279 or visit stclarehospice.org.uk/care/compassionate-neighbours