Staffordshire community schemes secure funding of £79,000 to continue with social isolation and loneliness outreach project

Two Staffordshire community schemes have successfully been granted more than £79,000 for them to continue their work in supporting and tackling social isolation and loneliness in their communities.

MHA Communities North and South Staffordshire will receive the funding of £79,136 over the course of two years.

The funding will be provided by the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust who were donated the money by NHS Charities Together from the £33 million raised by Sir Captain Tom Moore.

The funding will enable the schemes to provide a range of preventative, community-based services aimed at reducing social isolation and improving health and wellbeing.

Caroline Bruno, communities manager for South Staffordshire said: “The funding we have received will go a long way in making sure we continue to support those in our community.

“A large part of the project is a blend of services we already host and include our befriending service, lunch clubs, trips and activities.

“As a service we are trying to extend our reach and looking to work in different areas of our region.

“This funding will contribute to making sure we are able to do this, so we are very grateful for the extra support.

Liz Daley, communities manager for North Staffordshire said: “The funding will help us in making sure we can grow as a scheme and offer our services more effectively.

“The amount was more than what we were expecting, so it's an even better result for us.

“It has given us a much-needed boost and will give us the opportunity to help even more people in North Staffordshire.

“As a result of the funding, we have been able to offer extra hours to staff and have some funding for running costs such as transport and room hire.”