2024 Winner
Community Organisation Award: Age
Reach Befriending supports marginalised elderly individuals by recruiting volunteers who offer at least one hour of weekly companionship to isolated seniors. These befrienders visit their assigned 'neighbours' regularly, giving them a voice and helping them access the support they need. Many elderly people feel forgotten and uncared for, but Reach Befriending helps reintegrate them into the community, ensuring they feel valued. To address growing waiting lists, Reach Befriending launched a pastoral project, prioritising individuals aged 80+ or severely isolated. The pastoral lead conducts assessments within three weeks, providing immediate visits until a befriender is matched. This initiative has been successful in meeting urgent needs, offering basic items like blankets and food, and acting as a welfare check. The project aims to reduce isolation, improve mental health, and foster multigenerational friendships, ensuring that the elderly are cared for and valued.