Befrienders Highland's plan to expand in Alness and Invergordon boosted by Barratt Homes Community Fund grant
A BEFRIENDING service aiming to expand into Alness and Invergordon has received a cash boost to help it in its aspirations.
Befrienders Highland provides services for lonely or isolated people across the Highlands.
And it has received a £1000 donation to help fund its planned Easter Ross expansion and fund training materials for new volunteers.
The donation was made as part of Barratt Homes’ Community Fund, which dishes out a fresh grant for different causes every month.
Befrienders Highland is among the first beneficiaries of the scheme, having been identified for its important role in providing befriending services to those who are lonely or isolated, which can often be the result of being an unpaid carer, memory loss or mental ill health.
Susan White, executive director at Befrienders Highland, said: “We have over 140 volunteers working with us to provide a life-changing and vital befriending service to many people who are feeling lonely and isolated.
“We currently have a waiting list of more than 40 people and thanks to this generous donation from Barratt Homes, we will be able to fund new training materials for future volunteers and proceed with our planned expansion.”
Last year £1.2 million was donated to causes across the UK by Barratt Homes and its sister brand David Wilson Homes. This year, the goal is to grow that figure considerably.
“We’re very pleased to be supporting such a cause like Befrienders Highland and helping it to expand its services across the region,” said David Palmer, managing director for Barratt North Scotland.
“Loneliness and isolation can have a drastic impact on someone’s life, so services provided by the like of Befrienders Highland are so vitally important.
“We are committed to supporting the communities we serve, and we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the services that make a positive impact on so many lives.”
