Age UK B&NES’ Starlight Appeal, to support work tackling loneliness amongst older people, has raised over £3000 since launching back in November last year.
The appeal was launched last November, when Avon Fire and Rescue Service helped the charity’s staff and volunteers decorate the tree on Kingsmead Square in Bath with stars.
Money has been donated by local businesses and individuals, with the largest donation of £700 from Bath business, Synergy Bare Leaning & Bare.
Duncan Ball, a partner in the business, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Age UK B&NES’ Starlight appeal this year.
“The money will help the charity support its fantastic volunteers and the services they provide throughout the year to the elderly, who can often lack the social interaction we all need.”
Janet Dabbs, chief executive of Age UK B&NES, said: “I’d like to thank the company for this generous donation, which will be used to train and support volunteers to provide the befriending service.
“£200 funds one befriender for a year; £16 will fund one for a month and £4 funds a week.
“The appeal has gone very well but we are still taking donations so if you’d like to help us reach our target of £5,000 please contact [email protected].”
The charity also needs more volunteers to support its befriending service. Age UK B&NES befrienders provide companionship, social contact and support to older people in the community.
“Our befriending service is often an absolute lifeline – if you are interested in finding out more about becoming a volunteer befriender, please get in touch for an informal chat. Any time you can offer to visit an older person, could really change someone’s life.
“We currently have 25 people in this area waiting to be matched with a befriender. Most volunteers offer up to an hour or so a week. We provide full training and support and would never call upon volunteers to do any nursing work – it is simply about offering friendship.”
Befrienders are currently needed in: Peasedown St John; Keynsham; Saltford; Midsomer Norton; Radstock; Timsbury; Combe Down; Odd Down; Oldfield Park; Twerton; Weston; Newbridge and Bathampton.
Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities with the charity should contact Chris Hart at [email protected] or call 01225 462641 for an informal chat.
Age UK B&NES is a local charity supporting around 12000 older people, their families and carers each year in Bath and North East Somerset.
