CHRISTMAS has come early for eight community organisations across Bromsgrove District and Droitwich which have been awarded around £10,000 each from the Big Lottery Fund.
Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest has been handed £10,000 to expand its work to support more people over the age of 50, who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness.
The grant will help the branch develop its befriending service where volunteers are matched with people to keep them company, either through regular telephone calls or home visits.
The volunteers provide friendly, regular contact for people who may be housebound or live on their own, and build up people’s confidence to help them reconnect with their local community.
Sam Humphray, CEO of Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest said the charity was acutely aware of the impact loneliness could have on older people’s wellbeing.
“We also know the difference our befriending scheme makes to members of the local community, which is why we are so very grateful to National Lottery players for this award which will help us to develop the scheme and reach more people.”
She urged members of the Bromsgrove community to get in touch if they were interested in becoming a ‘befriender’ so they could help tackle loneliness in among the community’s older people.
Meadows First School is celebrating winning £9,938 so it can install a wellbeing garden to help the children improve their personal and physical development.
And Droitwich-based Speakeasy NOW has been awarded £9,981 which will be used to recruit a project assistant to support people living with learning disabilities as part of the campaign for community change.
Rubery Social Club and Institute will receive £10,000 so they can install a wheelchair lift for disabled people and the Community Boost CIC choir will be formed with its £9,900 grant to bring people together.
NewStarts will receive £9,856 so it teach people computer skills and reduce ‘digital exclusion’ and The Bromsgrove Foyer, operated by St Basils, has been handed £9,705 so it can buy new appliances for its young homeless people’s accommodation unit.
Alvechurch Communities Together will invest its £9,995 to improve the cafe and deliver physical activities for older people, reducing isolation and promoting positive relationships, as part of its Friendship Matters scheme.
Visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk for more on the Big Lottery Fund.
