Banding together
A CHRISTMAS DINNER AND MAKING MUSIC TOGETHER WILL BRING SOME FESTIVE CHEER TO PEOPLE WHO FEEL ISOLATED – THANKS TO MONEY RAISED THROUGH THE HEALTH LOTTERY
AFTER musician Stephen McCarthy lost his legs due to an infection, he turned to community support group Touchbase Care for help when he left hospital. Ten years on, he is giving back by volunteering with Touchbase’s drumming group – one of the many activities offered by the charity.
Located in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter, Touchbase offers support to anyone over 18 who feels lonely or isolated. It’s just one of the thousands of initiatives across the country that are funded by the People’s Health Trust, with money raised through The Health Lottery.
“All the ideas for activities come from our members,” says Touchbase spokesperson Holly Smith. “We all bring different life it’s all about sharing that. So we have the drumming and choir groups as well as singing for health, creative writing, drama, puppetry, stage design and filming.”
ACCESS
people the chance to work with local artists and given them access to workshops they might not have had previously.” And money raised through The Health Lottery helps pay for tutors at the creative writing and musicworkshops. “That money improves people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life,” explains Holly.
Without Touchbase, many members would be lonely over Christmas, with only a few visits from carers during the holidays. group ensures they can celebrate in style. “We always make a big effort over Christmas, because not everyone has their family around them, with a fully laden table,” Holly says.
“This year we’re planning Christmas dinners for small bubbles, and we always make a festive music video. Many of our members live on their own in supported accommodation and might have family who are far away, so we want to make them feel less isolated.”