Grant cash will be used to reduce social isolation

‘Can make such a dfifference to local communities’

TWO community groups are using council grants to help reduce social isolation among older people.

Kegworth Community Library received £240 from North West Leicestershire District Council’s Small Grant Scheme to enable it to buy board games, colouring books, crayons and pens.

This equipment is helping the library to support the Kegworth community, hosting bingo afternoons for older resi- dents and giving them the chance to meet new people.

Teresa Curtis, who volunteers with the library, said: “As a community library, we are well aware of the social isolation that some older residents may be experiencing.

“Our regular bingo afternoon is one way for us to meet people in our community who may be at risk and give them the chance to get out, make friends and do something positive.”

Meanwhile, Thringstone Civil Service Retirement Fellowship received £250 from the Coalville Special Expenses Community Chest Fund, which has meant it can hire speakers and pay for room hire for special events.

The charity is dedicated to helping retired civil servants, widows, widowers, partners and dependants to enjoy a better and more fulfilling retirement. Its volunteers organise a range of welfare, volunteering and leisure activities.

Coun Alison Smith, deputy leader and portfolio holder for community services at the district council, said: “The various small grants that we offer can make such a difference to local communities.

“It’s good to see them being used in ways that bring people together and help provide support. Things like equipment and room hire might seem small, but pulling together the funding for these things can sometimes be the stumbling block to them happening at all.

“I hope these stories encourage other groups to apply for grants that can help them make a positive impact in our district.”