A Southwark-based charity is taking part in a nationwide challenge to raise thousands in a week for elderly people across the borough who need support this winter.
Link Age Southwark – that provides support to older people in borough who are feeling lonely or isolated – is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2022 between 29 November and 6 December.
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest online match funding campaign, where they double any amount of money raised by organisations taking part.
The Southwark-based charity puts on a range of exercise and activity groups – but some of the attendees will struggle to attend during the winter months.
WATCH: Local sixth form hosts male-only assembly to launch anti-sexual harassment campaign
They are aiming to raise £10,000 in just one week to fund vital transport services like their accessible minibus and escorted taxis so local people can leave their homes to attend a warm, safe and social space.
Link Age helps over 700 older people a year who are battling with isolation, including Agnes – a Southwark resident, who regularly attends one of Link Age Southwark’s groups.
“For somebody who’s always on the go, the lockdown didn’t go too well for me,” she said. But with places to go like the yoga group at the charity, she said she’s getting through it: “I’m getting back to my usual self.”
Arsenal star Reiss Nelson funds new football pitch at the Aylesbury Estate school he attended
Sophie Wellings, Chief Executive of Link Age Southwark said: “Many of our groups are once again fully booked, and there’s been a really positive response to everything we’ve been doing to get our services back up and running in person.
“It shows there’s a real need locally for what we do. Now, with the cost of living crisis and increase in energy costs causing huge concern, we are keen to ensure that the people we work with continue to have access to warm spaces and activities where they can socialise.”
In the year before the pandemic, Link Age Southwark provided 4,000 transport journeys that were free of charge for local people.
If they can raise their target of £10,000 in online donations over the next week, this money will be doubled to £20,000.
Donations are accepted all year round but to make sure it’s counted as part of the challenge, people are being encouraged to donate from midday on Tuesday November 29th. The campaign will close at midday on Tuesday 6 December.
To donate to Link Age Southwark’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, click HERE.
Neil Coyle releases Cost of Living Support Booklet – a comprehensive guide to the help on offer