Grant offers respite to Maidstone’s 'unsung heroes’ of care
The West Kent Befriending Service has received our final Community Grant for 2019!
11/11/2019
The West Kent Befriending Service has received our final Community Grant for 2019!
The £250 grant will be used to support a Befriending Christmas Cruise on the Kentish Lady River Boat next month, which will give carers from across the Borough, the opportunity to relax and enjoy time away from their demanding duties.
There are so many unsung heroes in our community who spend every day and night caring for their elderly relatives. Caring for a family member can be a very lonely experience and this cruise is an opportunity to give those carers a little time out with other people who might be in the same position. Hopefully they will make new friendships and contacts, so they feel less alone and more connected to a group of supportive peers. We are very grateful to Bluebird Care for this grant, which will be used to finance replacement carers so our guests can really enjoy themselves and let their hair down. We’re also indebted to Nick Kennedy, owner of the Kentish Lady River Boat, who has so kindly offered to bring the Kentish Lady out from her winter moorings especially for us.
Wendy, Manager at West Kent Befriending Service
The West Kent Befriending Service, whose staff were recently saved from redundancy by Inspired Villages, helps to reduce the loneliness and isolation felt by older people, both at home and within their local communities.
Delivered by volunteers, the service supports more than 170 people by providing opportunities for companionship, and the chance to develop new friendships and enjoy social activities.
Our Community Grant Scheme has been running for the past three years and supports local causes through the provision of a £250 grant to a different group three times a year.
As a home care provider, we are acutely aware of the strain that caring for a loved one can place on family members. We are proud to support the West Kent Befriending Service, which provides valuable support to help carers to enjoy some time out and relax, comfortable in the knowledge that their loved one is safe and cared for.
Nathan, Community Liaison Manager
For more infomation about the scheme and to request a grant application form, please contact Community Liaison Manager Nathan by emailing nathanbrown@bluebirdcare.co.uk.
