03 May Folk Like Us project expands – next stop Shoeburyness
The project expansion is possible as SAVS has been successful in securing a grant of £98,869 from the Building Connections Fund. The Fund is thanks to both Her Majesty’s Government and National Lottery players. The work is funded until 2021.
The Folk like Us Project is delivered through Turning Tides; a project managed by Southend Association of Voluntary Services and has been funded through The National Lottery Community Fund. The project was established in 2015.
The work funded through the Building Connections Fund will enable Turning Tides to reach more residents in Shoebury with the aim to reduce isolation and disadvantage that many older people in Shoebury experience because of a lack of access to and knowledge about social activities and information to improve their quality of life.
We aim to ensure that older people in Southend and Shoebury are able to access information and assistance to attend and participate in social activities with others, because we believe that this will help to reduce isolation. Support for older people to access information is provided, including help with IT and one-to-one advice and support, as we believe that through the provision of information they can improve their quality of life.
HUB Service
In the coming months a base will be developed in Shoebury where Turning Tides Team Leaders can meet and work with the members. The team have a vast knowledge of services and organisations across Southend and years of experience working with the community to improve quality of life. Home visits will be made to those with restricted mobility that can not access the support directly.
Membership
Membership to the service is free for any resident over 65 living in Southend/Shoebury that experience loneliness or isolation.
To find out more, join or make a visit to the team please call the Turning Tides Team on 01702 356070 or alternatively email turningtides@savs-southend.co.uk
Anthony Quinn SAVS Deputy CEO said: “This is fantastic news as we have seen the positive difference our Folk like Us project has had on older people in Southend. This funding allows us to take the project to Shoebury and set up a base in the community. Residents have stated central Southend can be difficult for them to access and this funding will break down that barrier.”
Peter Lovett, Vice Chairman of Shoebury Residents Association member: said: “We are excited to partner SAVS and broaden awareness of our work and name and to promote that there will be somewhere for the isolated and lonely over 65’s to connect in the Shoebury community”.
Annette Issac, Shoebury Resident said “I have been a widow for three and a half years after 43 years of marriage. I can be at home and not see or speak to anyone for days. There is such a loneliness after losing your partner, working and being in the middle of family life. I can’t wait for an outlet to help me become ‘me’ again”.
