Seo-gu, Gwangju Continues Efforts to Prevent Solitary Deaths with 'Neighbor Care Team'

Checking in on Single-Person Households, Including Seniors
Recruiting 200 Members for the Neighbor Care Team

The "Neighbor Care Team" that prevents solitary deaths will continue its activities this year as well. Provided by Seo-gu, Gwangju

Seo-gu District in Gwangju Metropolitan City is recruiting 200 members for the "Our Neighborhood Neighbor Care Team," a resident-participation care community aimed at preventing solitary deaths among single-person households, including seniors. Applications will be accepted until January 21.

The "Our Neighborhood Neighbor Care Team" is a community-based welfare initiative in which neighbors look out for each other. Team members visit or call vulnerable households, who are at risk of falling through the cracks of the care system, once or twice a week to check on their well-being. When needed, they serve as a bridge by connecting those in need with administrative welfare services.

Seo-gu residents who wish to participate can apply by visiting their local administrative welfare center. Selected members will receive specialized training, including activity guidelines and crisis response manuals, and will carry out their activities six times per month, three hours per day, from February to December. Those who meet the activity requirements will receive a monthly stipend of 60,000 KRW and volunteer hours will also be recognized.

Last year, 164 members of the Neighbor Care Team in Seo-gu visited over 2,000 households, conducting 22,684 home visits, 39,163 phone consultations, and 9,018 resource connections, contributing to alleviating loneliness and restoring emotional well-being among vulnerable groups.

Kim Ikang, Mayor of Seo-gu, stated, "The Neighbor Care Team is a core project of 'Together Seo-gu,' going beyond simple welfare checks to deliver warmth and hope to marginalized neighbors. I encourage all residents to take an interest in and participate in these caring activities that protect the neighbors around us."