They have used a portion of the money to purchase Easter eggs that will be shared out to its members and the rest has been used towards general running costs of the charity so it can continue to support those who need it most.
Marjorie Hayward, a retired nurse educator, started the charity in 2016 and, pre-covid, arranged lunches and afternoon teas for volunteers and their befriended people to help combat loneliness.
Brenda Oakes, a trustee of the charity, says: “Due to covid restrictions, we’re not able to organise an Easter lunch this year so we thought it would be a lovely idea to give all our befriended people an Easter egg instead. The eggs are being delivered by our volunteers along with a card made by one of our trustees.”
“We actually did a similar thing at Christmas too with boxes of chocolate and for some people this was the only Christmas present they received. Most of the people we help are elderly and some are disabled and, because of lockdown, they are even more isolated. Delivering Easter eggs to them will mean a lot.”
The charity has 130 volunteers and usually they visit the people they befriend for at least one hour each week but during covid this has switched to telephone calls.
The volunteers also collect shopping and pick up prescriptions.
The charity helps around 30 people in Clayton-le-Woods with a further 140 being supported in the wider Chorley and Leyland areas.
Sian Pitt, sales director for Lancashire, said: “Redrow supports communities close to where we build through community funds and grants such as the one that has supported New Friends for You. The work this charity does is life-changing for those it supports in normal circumstances but even more so during lockdown when they may have otherwise not spoken to anyone for days on end. We’ve all come to realise just how important checking in on family and friends is and so I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help put some smiles on faces this Easter.”
Four groups and good causes from the Clayton-le-Woods area have shared £2,000 from our latest community grant.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer, or if you would like help from New Friends for You, call 07506 189128 or email: friendsforyou2016@outlook.com.
Find more details about our homes at Willows Green, or call 01772 340601.
