National Grid helps Frankie Howerd OBE Trust tackle elderly loneliness
National Grid has donated £40,000 to Loxton based Charity, Frankie Howerd OBE Trust, to help isolated residents access vital services and connect with the rest of their community to reduce feelings of loneliness.
The funding has allowed the trust to purchase a minibus and contribute towards the charity’s funding goal to refurbish its community hub. The minibus will transport residents from their home to their doctor, shops and to anywhere else they may need, including the local community hub and café where they can socialise.
Our funding will help people at risk of isolation live happier and healthier lives.
Dame Joanne Lumley, President of Frankie Howerd OBE Trust, accepted the keys from Hinkley Connection Project Director Steve Haskayne at an event in April along with other donors. The minibus will provide freedom to those unable to drive due to age or health reasons and make sure they are getting the support and social contact they need to promote their health and wellbeing.
Frankie Howerd OBE was one of Britain’s greatest comedians of the 20th century and he fell in love with the North Somerset countryside and the tranquillity it offered him. The trust set up in his name looks to offer the same comfort and safe space to local residents with The Frankie Howerd Community Hub. National Grid’s funding will help the Trust afford the Phase 2 refurbishments of the Hub which includes an Activities’ Centre named after Dame June Whitefield.
Steve Haskayne, Project Director of the Hinkley Connection Project commented: “It is vital that the most vulnerable members of our communities are able to access the services and social contact they need. Our funding to Frankie Howerd OBE Trust will help people at risk of isolation connect with their communities and live happier and healthier lives.”
