Boost for befriending service for elderly and isolated people in South Kesteven with grant of £59,000 from the Freemasons

South Kesteven is to get an enhanced befriending service for elderly and isolated people with a grant of £59,000 from the Freemasons.

The service is run by Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire, and an increased focus on areas such as South Kesteven and South Holland will offer more opportunities for people to get involved and benefit from increased social connections and new friendships.

The scheme provides isolated and lonely people with a volunteer befriender, offering companionship on a regular basis either by telephone or in face-to-face meetings.

The service is available for individuals for as long as it is needed and is seen by many as a lifeline.

The money, provided through the Freemasons' charity the Masonic Charitable Foundation, will also help to cover the cost of a second volunteer co-ordinator.

Nicki Lee, volunteering manager at Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire, said: "The Age UK befriending service is a long-term commitment. Once people join us, they tend to stay with us for the long term. The people we befriend become friends, and ask for help with things we wouldn’t normally provide. Sometimes they have no one else to ask, and that’s when befriending morphs into something else.

"We always try to bring people together who we know will get on; the service succeeds by having the right mix of people."

Nicki added: “We’re very grateful to Lincolnshire Freemasons for their generous grant, which make a huge difference to the lives of older people locally, especially in South Lincolnshire, where we see a greater need. We also aim to encourage more people to get involved through volunteering, to enjoy the fun and friendship it brings.”

Dave Wheeler of the Lincolnshire Freemasons said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help Age UK with this hugely important programme to reach out to lonely and isolated older people in our county. Research shows that loneliness can have the same effect on an older person’s health as smoking ten cigarettes a day. It’s a serious situation Age UK is working hard to challenge.”

To access the service or to volunteer, call 03455 564144.