Wightlink gives Good Neighbour Scheme a big cash boost

A volunteering scheme to combat loneliness in the Island’s older people is delighted to has been given a £5,000 boost by ferry company Wightlink.

Age UK Isle of Wight’s Good Neighbour Scheme (GNS) uses around 130 volunteers to befriend approximately 250 Isle of Wight people often living alone.

A telephone befriending system also allows people to check in with clients while digital volunteers help navigate the complexities of modern life, teaching how to shop online, order prescriptions and complete other digital tasks.

There is also a Chatty Brew social group, where volunteers take clients along to social events at Island cafes, with one recently being held at Forest View Garden Centre café in Newport.

The money from Wightlink will be used to support the administration of the scheme.

Age UK GNS team leader Allison O’Brien-Furey said: “Our volunteers undertake interviews, provide references, and have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before they are allocated clients to befriend, so this kind/generous donation will help us support these vital parts of the scheme.

“We are so grateful to our volunteers but are always looking for more, not just in the GNS but also in admin, accounts and fundraising, to name but three areas.”

Phil Delaney, Wightlink commercial director, said: “We were pleased to donate this money to support a great scheme that promotes social inclusion.

“Age UK IW does a great job with the GNS and it makes a real difference to so many people facing loneliness issues.”

Maria Bunce, chief officer of Age UK IW, said: “This money will make a real difference to the Good Neighbour Scheme. We are so grateful to Wightlink for the donation.

“We are always looking for more volunteers and if you would like to get involved, or you know of an older person who would benefit from the GNS, then please get in touch.”

If you would welcome support from the scheme, go to ageuk.org.uk or call 01983 525282.