Volunteers have clocked up 152 hours and made 125 visits to the needy during the first year of a new scheme.
The Hospice Neighbours scheme, in Haverhill, was organised by St Nicholas Hospice Care in January 2011 and has been hailed a huge success in its first year of operation.
The scheme involves volunteers helping ill people in the town with everyday tasks such as walking a dog, picking up a prescription or doing a bit of shopping.
St Nicholas Hospice Care, which covers West Suffolk and Thetford, launched the scheme in order to provide more help for people who are living their own homes but are too ill to carry out certain tasks.
The voluntary neighbours help with odd jobs and even provide a bit of respite by having a chat and a cup of tea.
The scheme’s organisers are now desperate to expand the scheme to cover Stanton, Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Newmarket.
Kay Newman, Hospice Neighbours co-ordinator, said: “The sad fact is there are currently only eight volunteers looking after 17 patients, and we have two patients who have recently been referred on hold.
“We really need volunteers to sign up for the scheme. They can give as much or as little time as they like, and they will receive full training.”
Hospice acting head of fundraising Kevin Clements added: “The community supports St Nicholas Hospice Care in so many ways – from volunteering, taking part in events, donating goods, or simply making personal donations. We are extremely lucky to have such a passionate and skilled network of volunteers who help us to fundraise for our vital work.”