WIREDGOV

Hundreds of older people in Orkney and the Highlands will make new friendships and connections within their communities, thanks to Big Lottery funding announced today (WED 22 JULY) for two local befriending projects.

Sharing in £785,392 from the Fund’s Investing in Communities programme, Voluntary Action Orkney and Caithness Voluntary Group will now be able to expand their projects to more older people 60 years and over.

Both projects will include one to one befriending in a person’s home and in the community which will encourage them to make friends of all ages while enjoying new hobbies and interests. They will also provide practical support with shopping, attending a GP appointment, preparing and planning meals, paying bills and collecting prescriptions.

Voluntary Action Orkney receives £502,273 to expand its existing befriending service for 385 older people over the next five years.

Gail Anderson, Chief Executive, Voluntary Action Orkney, said: “We are delighted and very grateful to receive this award from the Big Lottery Fund, which will ensure that we can continue to deliver and develop Adult Befriending in Orkney.  Befriending delivers essential services to older people through companionship, practical support and opportunities to engage in a range of intergenerational and community activities. The award will allow us to meet current and future demand and reduce the number of older people whose lives are adversely affected by loneliness and social isolation.”

Also expanding in its local community is the Caithness Voluntary Group. Thanks to a five year grant of £283,119, its befriending project will now be able to support 180 older people living in Wick, Thurso and surrounding rural villages.

Angie House, Befriending co-ordinator, said: “Befriending Caithness is absolutely delighted with the news that we have been awarded a Big Lottery Fund grant.  This will mean we can develop our service and provide good quality support to both the befriendee also the befriender. It truly is an experience that both people benefit from and makes a huge difference to their lives.”

Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, said:  “Today’s funding will help older people in the Highlands and Orkney live independently while enjoying full and enriching lives. I am delighted that we are able to help these projects expand, while allowing the most rurally isolated people to benefit from the friendly conversation and companionship available through befriending."

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 0141 242 1484
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter: @BIGScotland #biglottery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFundScotland

Notes to editors:

• The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. We are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery for good causes and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes. 
• Since June 2004 we have awarded over £8 billion to projects that make a difference to people and communities in need, from early years intervention to commemorative travel funding for World War Two veterans.
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £33 billion has been raised and more than 450,000 grants awarded.