Lottery cash supports battle against loneliness

THE battle against loneliness and isolation in Dundee has been boosted after a charity project was handed a huge Lottery grant.

Volunteer Dundee, which runs four services designed to address social isolation in the city, has received £125,000 as part of a £2 million Big Lottery Fund cash boost for Scottish community projects.

The services — Morning Call, Blether Buddies, Sources of Support and DIAL OP — provide telephone and face-to-face contact run by trained volunteers.

Eric Knox, chief executive of Volunteer Dundee, said he believed there were many more people struggling with loneliness than the organisation was able to reach.

He said: “We feel like the people we have reached are just the tip of the iceberg.

“There are a lot more people out there that we can help. This will allow us to increase the number of volunteers and help tackle this issue.

“We are absolutely delighted that the Big Lottery Fund is again giving its support to vulnerable people in Dundee.

“Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership has supported getting these services established over the last few years.

“With its continuing support and this new Lottery funding we are hoping to reach more than 350 people supported by 40 volunteers.

“It’s all about being a caring community and buddying people to make sure they are OK.”

The growing problem of loneliness in Scotland has prompted the Scottish Government to launch a consultation on how best to tackle the issue.