Making connections in Wokingham
05 March 2024
In our latest round of Community Champion funding we are helping older people in Wokingham to socialise.
We made a donation of £2,000 to The Link Visiting Scheme, which works to prevent isolation and reduce the need for further support from already under-pressure NHS services. The team of volunteers offer befriending, coffee mornings, online classes and arts sessions, all of which support physical and mental well being.
Marjie Walker, of The Link Visiting Scheme, said: “We have more than 500 older people that we work with who are all struggling with loneliness, and none of this would be possible without our army of 420 volunteers.
“This very generous donation from Persimmon Homes will go towards recruiting even more volunteers and ensuring our existing volunteers have access to all of the training and support they need. We would like to thank Persimmon for this money and allowing us to continue our work in Wokingham.”
Wokingham Borough Council members Cllr Phil Cunnington and Cllr Marie-Louise Weighill visited the Link coffee morning at All Saints Church in Wokingham to meet members and celebrate the donation.
Cllr Cunnington said: “This money is going to be extremely useful in supporting services that provide so much for those in our community who demand so little. Thank you to Persimmon.”
Cllr Weighill added: “Link has always done an amazing job in helping people who might feel a little isolated find social links, and, importantly, maintain those new friendships through their various projects and activities. This donation from Persimmon will help sustain that work, and ensure people can continue to access these courses for free or a small contribution.”
Lee Farmer, Land Director of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “As people get older their needs are different and groups like this help people to not only socialise but also access other services that can support them. It is proving invaluable here in Wokingham and we are delighted to have been able to support Link.
“Here at Persimmon Homes we take great pride in the work we do within the wider community, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
