Charity Volunteering Matters has been awarded £650,000 in funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery to support its work in tackling social isolation and loneliness, and boosting the health and wellbeing of older people across the UK, including its Learn Together Scotland programme.
From employability skills workshops to volunteer drivers taking people to hospital appointments, thousands of older people are supported by Volunteering Matters to take a lead role in setting up and participating in activities that improve the health and wellbeing of their community.
Learn Together Scotland for example involves older volunteers aged over 50 and utilises their life skills to help younger generations in the classroom, via support with reading. Volunteering in schools encourages intergenerational contact, helps children develop the skills necessary to succeed, and combats loneliness and isolation amongst older people.
Oonagh Aitken, Chief Executive of Volunteering Matters, said: “I am absolutely delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery have chosen to continue supporting our work with older and retired people. Throughout the UK, increasing numbers of older people are facing loneliness and poor health and wellbeing but this isn’t inevitable. If we pull together in our communities then we can improve the quality of life for older people.
“Thousands of people over the age of 50 volunteer with us in many different ways across the UK; from Sporting Chance, which gets male volunteers out and active, to Welcome Friends, which matches volunteer befrienders to some of the most isolated individuals in the community.
“Thanks to generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery we will be able to continue our work with and for older and retired people, helping to harness their energy and experience, and prevent them from becoming excluded or isolated.”
Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The work of everyone involved at Volunteering Matters is so important. We are delighted that funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery will continue to make such a positive impact to service users.”
To find out more visit: https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/project/learn-together-scotland/
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