A Manchester charity that is supporting widows experiencing loneliness and social isolation has received a huge boost of more than £120,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The Widows Empowerment Trust is one of 179 organisations in Greater Manchester, doing vital work with communities, to receive a share of over £3.2 million in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.*
The funding will help the group to tackle the negative health impact that loneliness and social isolation can have on individuals and bring people together, with the overall aim of expanding the organisations’ services further across Greater Manchester.
Loneliness and social isolation can cause heart disease, a risk of high blood pressure, anxiety & depression, and stroke.** The Widows Empowerment Trust want to ensure that nobody is left feeling alone by offering a range of vital services, such as home visits; offering general support with things such as shopping, medical appointments or a friendly chat, as well as activities such as meals out, cinema visits, day trips and arts & crafts at their wellbeing centre.
Ray is part of The Widows Empowerment Trust family, and his daughter Julie is a big fan of the work the group have done to support his needs and the passing of her mother, Ray’s wife.
Ray’s daughter, Julie, said: “I’m so grateful for the support my Dad has received through The Widows Empowerment Trust. My Dad was initially hesitant about taking part in the Zoom sessions as he was unsure whether he’d enjoy playing bingo. However now the Zoom sessions twice a week are the highlights of my Dad’s week.
“He really looks forward to the sessions and it’s great to see that he’s made friends with everyone and enjoys playing his accordion for an audience and taking part in bingo. My dad’s face lights up when he’s taking part and it’s great for his mental health.
“It’s also great for him to have the regular chat with the befriender. My Dad struggles to get out and about at the moment and he always seems bright and uplifted after the chat – it helps him avoid feeling alone and isolated.”
Lubna Chaudry, Project Coordinator for The Widows Empowerment Trust, said: “On behalf of The Widows Empowerment Trust, I would like to thank National Lottery players for the funding that we have received. This funding will go a long way in helping the widowed community to become socially inclusive and tackling their loneliness. This funding means so much to us, as we will be able to reach more people who are being referred to us and have a robust organisation to ensure that we will always be around to support them from the transition of being lonely to helping them live fuller lives.”
Gillian Halliwell, Head of Regional Funding for the North West at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players and the hard work and dedication of local projects, like The Widows Empowerment Trust, this funding will make a big difference to people’s lives within Greater Manchester. We’re delighted that our funding is being used to strengthen communities and provide people with the tools and support they need to prosper and thrive.”
Greater Manchester isn’t alone in benefiting from National Lottery funding. Today it was announced that almost more than £65 million has been awarded to almost 2,000 projects in England in the past three months.*
National Lottery players raise over £30 million each week across the UK for good causes. The National Lottery Community Fund as a distributor ensures a share of this funding goes straight to communities, helping them to tackle important issues such as supporting young people into employment, mental health and climate action.
To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk
