Lottery boost for VAO

Older people in Orkney are set to make new friendships and connections within their communities, thanks to major Big Lottery funding announced this week.

Voluntary Action Orkney has received £502,273 from Fund’s Investing in Communities programme to expand their existing befriending service for 385 older people over the next five years.

The project 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.

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.”