Befriending scheme to start in Surfleet

The people of Surfleet are to benefit from a scheme which is there to encourage residents to help their neighbours to enjoy a better quality of life.

The Surfleet Good Neighbours Scheme, which endeavours to offer companionship and help with a variety of areas where people may be struggling, has been launched.

The scheme is being led by Sharon Mason and volunteers in conjunction with Spalding based health and wellbeing charity Tonic Health and will be run from the Tonic 44 Community Cafe in the village.

The scheme will mean that residents support one another when it comes to a variety of tasks, including dogwalking, gardening and shopping.

However, after the pandemic highlighted the importance of friendship, befriending and companionship will serve as a main focus.

Tonic Health’s chairman of trustees Michael Morris said: “By speaking to professionals, voluntary sector colleagues and individuals we have identified some common themes that local people are asking for support with.

“Initially, the themes we will be supporting are befriending and reducing loneliness, signposting to many voluntary sector organisations, groups and charities. We will also be supporting form filling and other smaller tasks which people are struggling with.”

For more information on the scheme, you can email surfleetgns@tonic-health.co.uk or call Sharon Mason on 07832 924617.