A community service that provides support to elderly and vulnerable residents has received vital funding from Reach Rushcliffe.
Rushcliffe Community and Voluntary Service (RCVS) received funds as part of the Rushcliffe Borough Council initiative aimed at tackling social isolation and loneliness. The charity will now further develop their befriending phone service across South Nottinghamshire to reach out to those in need. RCVS will also recruit, support and provide training to volunteers who will support elderly and vulnerable people with regular friendly phone calls that are expected to assist residents in the coming months.
The authority’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community and the Environment Cllr Abby Brennan met with RCVS Chief Executive Carolyn Perry and the project’s volunteers to find out more about the role they are playing at such a crucial time ahead of the next national lockdown.
Cllr Brennan said: “A friendly voice on the end of a phone can be a lifeline to those who are at risk of being socially isolated or vulnerable, especially with further lockdown restrictions now upon us. “Rushcliffe Community and Voluntary Service provide such vital support, we’re delighted Reach Rushcliffe can make a direct impact on the team reaching out to vulnerable residents across the Borough.
“We hope their calls and contact can truly make a difference this winter as we all adapt to the challenges COVID-19 is posing.” Carolyn said: “We are so pleased to have received funding through Reach Rushcliffe which means we can expand our telephone befriending service and allocate more volunteers to help those at risk.
“With new measures announced we expect to see an increase in demand for our services from those who are struggling or may be at risk of being isolated from their community.
“Not only will the befriending service reduce loneliness in residents, the one to one support provided will also help to improve their self-esteem and confidence whilst reducing the pressure on our emergency services.”
Anyone wishing to access their services can call 0115 969 9060 or visit http://rushcliffecvs.org.uk/