Announcement - New Befriending Fund Allocation
Befriending Networks were delighted to be one of nine organisations benefitting from the first round of funding from the Scottish Government aimed at Tackling Social Isolation and Loneliness, part of the new £10 million pound commitment over the next 5 years. This provides Befriending Networks with core funding for the period October 2021 to April 2022, ensuring we can continue to support all befriending organisations across Scotland. It also enabled us to run a grant programme for members sharing a £160k fund with local befriending projects across Scotland, supporting those hardest hit by the pandemic. We were really pleased with creativity and quality of these applications, making our decisions difficult.
This funding was targeted at befriending projects supporting young people 16-24, women, carers and those living with Dementia. The funding could be used to sustain or increase befriending coordinators workings hours, cover volunteer expenses, provide activities/groups where it is safe to do so, or digital devices/support that enable matches to go ahead at a distance, where this is preferred.
Successful applications covered all client group criteria
· 16-24 years – 3 projects
· Women – 7 projects
· Carers – 5 projects
· Those with dementia – 7 projects
Within the client groups detailed other factors included: perinatal befriending, a service for women experiencing domestic abuse, young carers, mental health, and addictions. Successful applicants will be working within 13 local authority areas with the bulk of applicants based in and around the central belt.
Organisations receiving funding from our New Befriending Fund
Aberlour
Airdrie CAB
Befrienders Highland
BeFriends
CACE
Cyrenians/Ripple Project
ECAS
Elder Voice
Hand of Solace
Hands On LEAP
Home Start East Lothian
Queensferry Churches Community Care
Raploch Community Partnership
Rowan Alba
Volunteer Glasgow
Volunteering Matters
We look forward to hearing the progress of their projects and matches in the coming months and will report on the outcomes in May 2022.
Click here for details of our new Befriending Fund
