A RAPIDLY growing Wokingham charity is helping ever greater numbers of older people to live longer, to feel happier, and to be more active.
The Link Visiting Scheme recently hosted a lunch at All Saints Church, for its supporters, staff, trustees, volunteers and Link Friends, and invited visitors.
Cllr Adrian Mather, Mayor of Wokingham Borough, Cllr Rob Comber, Mayor of Wokingham Town, Cllr Juliet Anderson, Mayor of Woodley, and Cllr Mike Smith, Mayor of Earley were among the dignitaries who attended.
John Mallaghan chair of trustees said: “In the past four years we’ve doubled in size, in terms of our Friends, our volunteers and the services we can offer people.
“We’re currently helping 500 older people directly, but support many more with our partners.”
A personalised befriending service is at the charity’s core: every Link Friend receives their own volunteer who visits them at home with the aim of building a long-lasting friendship.
“Volunteers are chosen to be a good fit for one of our older people, and by giving just an hour of their time each week they are adding joy to people’s lives,” said John.
As important to the charity as developing friendship in the home is getting people out and about in the community so The Link has developed a range of social activities, including:
Pie and a Pint, where 30 Friends are taken out to have lunch together at one of four borough pubs, meeting the same people, sharing a pint, and building friendships.
Community Kitchen, at which more than 40 diners share Sunday lunch, held at the WADE Day Centre, all of whom would most likely have eaten alone.
Active Minds, an eight week course for people with a very early dementia diagnosis.
Bowls, held in winter at Whiteknights Indoor Bowls Club, and outdoors in the summer at Hurst Bowls Club.
And Link Friends can also enjoy a monthly Singalong, and regular Craft and Quiz events.
“Link to Nature is our newest, award winning project, ” explained John.
“It came about through listening to older people who told us they loved gardening, but for various reasons couldn’t pursue it.
“One of our most popular and enjoyable activities, it began with volunteers helping in the garden.
“But with support from Wokingham Town Council’s In Bloom team, and Wokingham Borough Council, Link Friends can now garden competitively, and enjoy visits to stately homes.
“It’s about getting people excited to be going out and about again – these activities can make a huge difference to their lives.”
Helping people stay active, to live at home for longer, and to enjoy better health is good for everyone.
“Everything we do delays, reduces and avoids the need for more expensive social and health care,” John said.
“I guarantee that if we weren’t here, around half of our Friends would be in care homes, or their families would be facing tough decisions.”
To support its 500 Link Friends, the charity needs even more befrienders.
“Our volunteers say working with us is hugely rewarding,” he added.
“If you visit someone regularly, you see directly the difference you are making to their life.
“When you see the smile on their face, it makes you feel good.”
Activities team lead Beth Holdway agreed.
“Bereavement, health issues, a diagnosis, or lack of mobility can all affect older people’s confidence,” she explained.
“They’re often afraid to try activities at first, but once they feel secure and discover a new friend, it’s wonderful to watch them settling in.
“Often, three months later, they’re the person welcoming a nervous newcomer to come and sit with them.
“The lights come back on, people’s eyes sparkle, and they start to be more active.
“There’s so much life left to live, and new friendships to make.
“The Link fills your heart with so much joy – I just love it.”
For information, to access services, and to volunteer, people should visit: linkvisiting.org
