£375k grant for charity

Cash will help older people

A charity that helps older people across East Kilbride and Avondale has a lotto reasons to be thankful – after landing a £375,319 grant.

The Big Lottery handed over the cash to LEAP, who will use it for their Hands-on Project and the cash boost will provide funds for the next three years.

LEAP offers a befriending and handyperson service.

Befrienders offer short- or longterm companionship to older people who might be feeling lonely or isolated, while the handyperson service gives free practical assistance with small jobs and tasks around the home such as changing light bulbs, curtains and washing inside windows.

The organisation has also successfully secured a total combined amount of £201,239 from LEADER, the Robertson Trust, the Integrated Care Fund and CORRA to establish an Avondale-wide Hands-on Project.

Gilly Feron, chairperson for LEAP, said: “LEAP are delighted that they able to continue to assist older people across South Lanarkshire via its long-established Hands-on Project service, which has an 18-year history of having a positive impact on improving loneliness, isolation and independence in older people.

“Staff are excited to embrace these existing and new opportunities to continuing to make a difference in older people’s lives.”

LEAP are the Lightburn Elderly Association Project – and they expanded into other areas a number of years ago.

As well as East Kilbride, their Hands-On Project also covers Hamilton, Blantyre, Cambuslang, Rutherglen, Bothwell and Uddingston.

If you think you might benefit from LEAP’s handyperson or befriending service, or you know someone who would, then call (0141) 641 5169.

Also, if you have a spare hour or two free each week as a volunteer to help an older person in the community, get in touch for more information on the number above or search for ‘LEAPHOP’ on Facebook.

Volunteers will be asked to complete a PVG disclosure form and attend introductory training, and expenses are also paid.