A scheme which seeks to improve the social lives of vulnerable people in Gedling borough has received a welcome cash boost from a local housing group.
The Jigsaw Homes Group – which owns Gedling Homes – has awarded the SPRIING (Social Prescribing Reducing Isolation In Gedling) project £14,180, to help ensure their survival.
The project, which is staffed by volunteers, helps vulnerable people in the area find social groups and activities to suit their needs.
SPRIING also provides small grants to local groups to ensure their survival and also provide social opportunities for people in the area who may be experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
The money was donated to the project through the Jigsaw Rewards scheme, which allows Gedling Homes tenants to decide which local causes should receive sums from the community cash pot.
Councillor Henry Wheeler praised Jigsaw for their cash award.
He said: “We’re very proud to be a part of this fantastic scheme that helps some of our most vulnerable residents. Loneliness and isolation for older people can be devastating to their health and this project has done a brilliant job of getting more people together and to address this ongoing problem. We would like to thank our officers, Jigsaw Homes and all the volunteers who are involved; you are improving peoples’ lives.”
Karen Sands, Head of Independent Living and Corporate Lead for Gedling Homes, added: “The SPRIING project offers real meaningful opportunities to older people who find themselves alone and isolated by providing forums to make contact with other likeminded people, develop friendship groups and reignite interests in activities, which for all of us makes our lives richer.”