RBC awards Community Wellbeing Fund to support voluntary befriending service
Last updated: 19/3/2025
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has awarded a £2,000 grant from its Community Wellbeing Fund to support a voluntary befriending service dedicated to reducing loneliness and social isolation among elderly and vulnerable residents across the Borough.
The funding has contributed to volunteering costs, training, recruitment and activities for the Rushcliffe Community and Voluntary Service (Rushcliffe CVS), a charity that relies upon volunteers to provide support for its service users through voluntary transport, community development, befriending and housekeeping.
As part of the initiative, Rushcliffe CVS organises fortnightly group sessions where participants take part in social activities that improve their mental health and wellbeing. Volunteers also provide transport to and from these sessions, with support from Westdale Care Home, which provides a minibus for those with mobility challenges.
RBC’s Deputy Leader recently joined Rushcliffe CVS at a befriending session where participants enjoyed a fun and informal quiz at Trent Bridge Care Home.
Cllr Brennan said: “We’re delighted to support this fantastic befriending service, which brings people together in a safe and welcoming space. It’s heartwarming to see participants socialising, forming new friendships, and enjoying themselves.
“For those who have been housebound or find it difficult to leave home independently, social connections like these are invaluable in reducing loneliness and improving wellbeing.
“The dedication of Rushcliffe CVS volunteers is truly inspiring, as they provide a wide range of services that support independent living.”
Rushcliffe CVS Chief Executive Carolyn Perry added: “We are delighted to have received funding from Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund to support to enhance our Befriending service and widen our reach.
“Befriending and our Befrienders remain crucial to enhance the health and wellbeing, and quality of life to those participating.”
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation, truly dedicated, caring and making a huge difference to people’s lives. We simply couldn’t deliver our services without them"
As part of the service, Wednesday morning, Rushcliffe CVS voluntary drivers take service users to the local supermarket for their weekly shop, helping older residents to maintain their independence.
Rushcliffe CVS volunteer driver Chris Lakin said: “I’ve been a lorry driver for 35 years and I joined Rushcliffe CVS as a volunteer driver back in November last year.
“I drive residents to the local supermarket to do their food shop which really helps them.
“Driving is my passion and I enjoy volunteering because I’m helping others and it helps fill my time. I have a great respect for my elders and its nice to see everyone enjoying themselves.”
Rushcliffe CVS driver Tim Hadrill added: “Rushcliffe CVS has been running for over 40 years so I always knew about the service, and I started volunteering after my wife passed away.
“I enjoy volunteering because it’s something I’ve done throughout my life through the Rotary organisation.”
The charity provides meaningful opportunities for volunteers to make a difference in their community. Anyone interested in volunteering can email Rushcliffe CVS at admin@rushcliffecvs.org.uk
The Community Wellbeing Fund is supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.