About Us - Cornhill Companions

About Us

Making sure older people never feel forgotten or alone

Cornhill Companions began in April 2017 with a clear purpose: to make sure older people in Banbury and the surrounding villages never feel forgotten or alone. Many of the people we support may go days without a friendly chat or social contact, and our volunteers step in to bring warmth, connection, and practical help.

We are entirely self‑funded and volunteer‑led, driven by the belief that small acts of kindness can transform someone's day — and sometimes their whole outlook. As a branch of the Royal Voluntary Service, we are proud to continue a long tradition of neighbourliness and community support.

Our work is simple, human, and deeply valued: we help people feel seen, heard, and part of their community again.

Friendship is one of the most important things in life. Nothing can turn your day around like a smile from a friendly face, a heartfelt hug, or a lovely chat over a cup of tea.

Our guiding belief

Compassion

We treat every person with warmth, patience, and understanding. Small acts of kindness can change someone's whole day.

Connection

We believe that human contact — a chat, a smile, a shared moment — is essential to wellbeing.

Community

We are rooted in Banbury and its surrounding villages, supporting local people through local volunteers.

Respect

We honour each person's story, independence, and individuality.

Reliability

Our volunteers show up with consistency and care, offering dependable support week after week.

Dignity

We help in ways that empower people, never patronise them, and always respect their choices.

Our People

Meet the Team

The people who keep Cornhill Companions running. Volunteers who get as much from being part of this as those who use our service.

Avis Gallager BEM

Coordinator

Over 30 years' experience working with older people. Keeps the wheels turning, matches volunteers with clients, and is a befriender herself.

Kate Drummond

Treasurer & Befriender

A lifetime of number-crunching, now managing our budgets. Her weekly visits always involve good chat, plenty of tea, and cake.

Jean Mills

Communications

A volunteer befriender for over 15 years. Takes pleasure in hearing people's life stories and having a really good laugh.

Dan Peace

Volunteer

A Cornhill Companion for 10 years, Dan is an all-rounder who helps with administration, web design, and fundraising in addition to befriending.

Janet Dunkin

Administrator

Many years of secretarial and administrative experience in advertising, medicine, and education.

Alison Aydin

Social Dining Volunteer

Five years with RVS. Also volunteers for Home Library Service, Drivers Service, Talking Newspapers, and coordinates the local MS Society group.

Join Us

Volunteer With Us

Our volunteers are the heart of Cornhill Companions. They bring warmth, patience, humour, and a genuine desire to help others. Whether you have an hour a week or a little more, your time can make a real difference to someone who may be feeling isolated.

Get in Touch

Volunteering with us is flexible, rewarding, and rooted in simple human connection. You don't need special skills — just kindness, reliability, and a willingness to be a friendly face.

If you'd like to help brighten someone's week, we'd love to welcome you to the team.

Ready to make a difference?

Get in touch and we'll tell you everything you need to know about volunteering.

Get in Touch