I’m wobbly and I’ve got a big garden. I’ve thought that it would be nice to have someone to go round the garden with me

Have you got a local Facebook page Toffeesmum?
You can very often get help through asking on a local page.

I advertised some years ago for someone to take me out for a couple of hours each week and I got one who was a shopping lady as well as someone who could get me out of the house for a couple of hours. I DO pay her for doing it because she is self employed.

If that is not what you want try your local volunteers.

Hello Toffeesmum. Yes it would be nice if you had someone to give you a hand to walk around your garden and to enjoy your plants /flowers. I imagine it is frustrating for you not to be independent. I thought perhaps you might like to get in touch with your local branch of Age Concern. They can usually help in such circumstances as yours. They are in touch with voluntary organisations and will very probably be able to find a lady who will be happy to help you. Best wishes.

If I could I would help and I'm sure so many are able to help you. Have you contacted Age UK they have volunteers who help in so many ways.
Agree FB if you can, do you have family who can post for you if you can't.
Even the local WI contact them, they might be able to help
I wish you the very best that, someone steps up to the plate for you. I think someone will.

Are you able to re-model the garden at all? Can you build a level but zig-zag path?
My mother-in-law has made her garden accessible by doing this. She has also put in some posts with fancy tops at hand-height on the corners so she can pause if she wants to. At the top is a flat area with a bench. It wasn't cheap but has been lovely for her to use the garden as she intended.

Obviously it's lovely to have someone to have garden centre trips too.

I hope you find someone.

We have a community group called Neighbourhood here in Liverpool it might be just in the northwest I am not sure. You have to register to be a member and obviously give your basic details in but that’s for security.
Google it for your area. It is really good and people here have been helping those in need anytime and especially during the pandemic. Helping in all manner of ways shopping gardening etc for free.
Getting help here would not be a problem. A member lost his dog a few weeks ago we are surrounded by woods here. So there were four of us out looking for it with him none of us knew each other but live in the same area.
Give it a go look into it also look for volunteer groups in your area. I am sure there is someone who would help you and I hope you get sorted.

I’m amazed at all the suggestions....thank you so very much. With regard to the zig-zag paths - that would cost too much, so that’s out. I’ve tried to rearrange the garden so that there’s not so much hands on things to do, but it’s not the same not being able to potter. I’ll try sorting some of the suggestions you’ve made on Monday. As you know, everything stops for the weekend !

I'd help you if you were near but other than that a lot of people like me out there how about WI...lots of ladies who would love to help there.

what about contacting a care agency, to get a support worker for a few hours a week.
bluebird have a good reputation.

Where do you live ?

Good morning Toffeesmum. Just to say that I looked up Age Concern and Age UK and they have amalgamated. If you Google either one a local telephone number will come up. Hope you find a pleasant helper.

Do you have a college anywhere near? A horticultural student might enjoy helping, in return for some cuttings or plant divisions and useful experience. Whatever happens be careful who comes into your garden.

Morning I'd agree with the posters who recommend phoning age concern. Its worth a try. I hope you do get someone to help you.

I forgot yesterday so absent minded at times Nextdoor.co.uk is another neighbourhood community we have here. There might be one that covers your area.

My DIL does something called 'enabling'. It involves taking people out shopping etc, or just keeping them company.
She works for a care company. Maybe you could try contacting care companies in your part of the world to see if they offer enabling.

Please contact age concern or a similar agency. Their volunteers and staff will all be security checked to ensure your safety. Do be very careful who you have in your garden or who you go to a garden centre with . Please be careful.

If you are on Facebook, our community has a residents page related to our town and if someone posted a request like that there would be several people who would volunteer to help. Search - town name resident's group if you do FB and you may get suggestions. But be careful. Or try Age Concern or a church group perhaps.

i think it is always a risk with any volunteers, as how much checking can be done.
at least with employees, at least their ID will have been verified, through NI number.
there is still a risk though.
i have come across employed care workers, sent by NHS contract for after-care, who have honed in on lone elderly and tried to form personal relationships, ie get in with/ take advantage of clients.
they then leave the agency and suggest working for the client freelance. one agency rang to say beware, as there had been allegations of items gong missing from previous clients, where that worker had been sent.
it is a minefield.