Our Charities

FiSH stands for Friendship, Independence, Support and Help. 

 FiSH is a highly regarded and very relevant local charity which provides practical help and emotional support for elderly, frail and vulnerable people living in Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen. Through our network of volunteers we deliver a range of services, activities and events, seeking to combat loneliness and keep people connected. We have been in existence for over 55 years and are one of the oldest neighbourhood care organisations in the UK.

 FiSH has a small team of just 6 dedicated staff who co-ordinate the whole organisation which has just over 300 volunteers who are trained and supported to help around 400 service users. Transport is at the heart of what we do, operating 2 accessible minibuses that deliver a door to door service enabling members to get out and about, come to the Barnes Green Social Centre and go on group shopping trips and outings.

 We provide a Helpline on weekday mornings where services users can call to organise lifts to medical appointments and therapy classes, have someone undertake personal food shopping and get handypersons to help in their homes and gardens. 

 FiSH offers a range of social and therapeutic activities including lunchtime concerts, weekly talks, a monthly escorted walk, Bridge, Choir, Elders Dance classes inspired by Ballet Rambert, a Retro Café Club for people living with dementia and Art Therapy workshops for people living with early stage dementia and their carers. 

 FISH is able to carefully match people who are lonely and isolated with befrienders who then maintain regular contact by phone or visits. We also have a drop in café 3 mornings a week - Coffee Corner – where anyone can stop by and engage with our trained listeners.     

 Do get in touch if you think FiSH could help you or someone you know, or if you would like to get involved as a volunteer. 

 Please visit https://www.fishhelp.org.ukand see our 2018/9 Annual Review: 

https://www.fishhelp.org.uk/uploads/2/6/3/7/26379695/fishannualreview18_19rev.pdf