Neighbourhood fund to tackle loneliness and boost volunteering

Working in partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and UK Community Foundations (UKCF), the government has launched the "Know Your Neighbourhood Fund".

The fund will support local organisations in 24 areas to increase the offer of projects that enrich lives to help improve wellbeing and social connections.

Recent reports have found that areas with higher rates of unemployment tend to have higher rates of loneliness and adults were more likely to report feeling lonely if they lived in a deprived area.

Areas including Barnsley, Middlesbrough and South Tyneside will receive funding to develop volunteering programmes, provide 1-1 support for vulnerable residents, fund new activities such as arts and crafts, sport and coffee sessions, and support social community events amongst other projects.

Volunteering can help connect communities, help people to develop skills and grow their networks.

Age UK Hull has received nearly £27,000 to widen its Home Befriending Service in Kingston upon Hull, expected to support over 170 individuals suffering from isolation by providing regular home visits to older individuals.

Groundwork has received £25,000 to provide volunteering opportunities in the garden, café, reception and library at their Grange Park Community Hub, Blackpool. This offers volunteers the chance to develop skills, socialise and connect with their local community, with funds providing training and 1-2-1 support.

Civil society minister Stuart Andrew said: "During the Covid-19 pandemic, dedicated volunteers and charity workers came together to support our communities in a real time of need - from taking time to check in on neighbours to delivering prescriptions.

"We are determined to capture this brilliant spirit and see it continue, which is why I’m delighted to announce the launch of the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund. With funding already being allocated, this will create more opportunities for people to volunteer, learn new skills and connect with their communities across the country."

Image by Mabel Amber from Pixabay