Watford-based Peace Hospice Care has been awarded a share of more than £110,000 to help fund a scheme to provide compassionate support to people at the end of their lives and to their families.

The award from the Cabinet office will enable the Peace, in partnership with the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust and Hertfordshire County Council fund the "Herts Neighbours Network" project. 

The scheme will provide companionship and practical support, including helping people to use social media to reconnect with loved ones. 

An overall fund of £800,000 will go to six other organisations around the country to tackle loneliness and isolation, which people at the end of their life can often experience. 

Chief Executive of Peace Hospice Care Sue Plummer, said: "This is an exciting joint collaboration and we are really looking forward to seeing this programme delivered in our community. 

"This new funding is going to play a huge part in supporting patients in a greater way who wish to die at home. We know that more people want to die in their own home as opposed to in a hospital. This project will help address this."

Minister for Civil Society Rob Wilson said: "I am delighted to announce the recipients of the Social Action End of Life Fund. Often medical appointments, care needs and financial considerations can obscure the emotional needs that people face at the end of their lives.

"These projects are great examples of how we can use volunteers within communities to make sure that nobody feels alone or unsupported, helping people live with compassion and dignity."

David Praill, Chief Executive of Hospice UK, said: "All of these valuable projects harness the power of volunteers to provide befriending and practical support for people approaching the end of life and their families. 

"People facing this situation can often feel very isolated. This type of support can help them feel more connected and can make all the difference to their wellbeing and quality of life."