Community group finds a friend in Redrow

A Coffee club set up to relieve social isolation and promote well-being has made a new friend in house builder Redrow.

Formby Befriending Scheme, based at the Methodist Church Family Centre on Elbow Lane, works with elderly people in the Formby, Hightown & Ince Blundell areas of Merseyside to provide a free befriending scheme that matches trained volunteers to isolated and lonely residents.

Members of the befriending team typically conduct a weekly visit providing essential companionship and general support, either at home or they also take residents on trips out for shopping, refreshments, or to attend an appointment.

The charity also hosts two monthly coffee clubs which are open to any elderly person in the area.

Mark Pickering, treasurer and volunteer at Formby Befriending Scheme, says the group signposts people to other events and services therefore encouraging them to socialise: “We want to ensure residents have access to as much support as possible to improve their quality of life. Around 60 people each month currently attend these clubs.”

The charity received a £500 donation from Redrow that they have used to purchase armchairs for its sessions.

“Before we received the donation, we couldn’t offer the appropriate safe, comfortable seating for some of our elderly attendees and this was deterring them from participating. Chairs without arms just aren’t suitable.” Mark continues.

Lesley Myers, sales manager at Redrow Homes (Lancashire) said: “It’s clear that this charity provides such special support for the elderly in the community. Isolation in later life is a huge problem so Redrow definitely wanted to help this fantastic cause with its community fund.”

There is no charge to residents and volunteers provide free transport to those who require it.

Redrow has helped a number of community groups and good causes around Formby as part of a £5,000 voluntary community fund.