A charity providing activities and support for the elderly in the fight against loneliness and isolation has been awarded vital funding by South West Water’s Neighbourhood Fund.
Starting in April 2021, the Neighbourhood Fund supports community groups and initiatives which will improve the lives of residents in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset by inspiring physical activities, enhancing education, health and wellbeing and delivering positive environmental outcomes.
The local community groups which are benefitting from the Neighbourhood Fund have been struck by the effects of the pandemic due to a limited supply of cash and the inability to receive funds through typical methods of fundraising.
Since April, South West Water has provided almost £80,000 in funding to 54 local causes in its region, with projects stretching from St. Mary’s on The Isles of Scilly to Christchurch in Bournemouth.
One of those causes, Age UK Plymouth, has supported older people in Plymouth since 1942. Its mission is to care for and work with older people and their carers in and around the city to improve their quality of life through the promotion of choice, opportunity and independence.
The £4,990 grant from South West Water will allow Age UK Plymouth to provide stimulating activities for vulnerable elderly people who attend its Day Care Service at The Willian and Patricia Venton Day Centre. The service is for those who need additional support to help them remain living at home and gives valuable respite for carers. Activities include music and singing sessions, theatre group, baking sessions, craft sessions and exercise classes.
David Wood, Chief Executive at Age UK Plymouth, said:
“In the City of Plymouth there are 47,600 people over the age of 65, with almost 36% of them living alone. Our centre plays an important role in bringing together isolated people from the local community.
“This funding from South West Water will help us to provide meaningful and stimulating activities for older people to help them feel less isolated and enjoy opportunities for social engagement and interaction with others.”
Jo Ecroyd, Customer Service Director at South West Water, said:
“Feelings of isolation and loneliness are all too common among older people and the Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be a particularly difficult time.
“Charities and community groups, such as Age UK Plymouth, do fantastic work in the local area to support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. We’re very pleased to be awarding them this funding as part of our Neighbourhood fund which has supported more than 50 charities with almost £80,000 since April.”
Further information
To find out more about the South West Water Neighbourhood Fund, visit southwestwater.co.uk/community/support/neighbourhood-fund