MP Bob Seely has welcomed the news that five Isle of Wight organisations are set to receive a share of nearly £100,000 to help with their plans to tackle loneliness.
The money – which comes from the National Lottery Community Fund - is intended to create stronger, more connected communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Island support services benefitting from the cash include:
- IW Citizens Advice to help meet the increase in demand for services.
- IW Community Rail Partnership to support a project providing lunches to older people and vulnerable families.
- John’s Club IW to provide support such as the delivery of groceries and prescriptions and offer transport to and from medical appointments to vulnerable people who are self-isolating. It also includes home visits from volunteers and a 24-hour helpline.
- Carers IW to deliver video calling support sessions to carers.
- Home-Start IW to cover a new coordinator post to support new volunteers and increase capacity to support families online. It will also be used to cover a new fundraiser post and an increase in staffing costs.
Bob said: “All funding that benefits Islanders, especially at this time, is welcome. I’m glad these lifeline services are receiving support.
“There is some great work being done across the Island to help keep people connected and support those who may be feeling isolated.
“I would like to thank everyone who is working hard to look after those Islanders most in need for their continued efforts.”
Bob said anyone looking to fund a local community project can find more details about the fund here.