Bingham's Rosie May Foundation receives funding from Reach Rushcliffe to help volunteers connect with isolated residents

A charity in Bingham has received funding from Reach Rushcliffe to help volunteers connect with socially-isolated residents and provide them with food, support and social contact.

The Rosie May Foundation has been given the money as part of Rushcliffe Borough Council’s initiative to tackle social isolation and loneliness, which launched earlier this year.

The charity has already used the money to help with its ongoing work in the community and help vulnerable residents who may be facing additional challenges because of covid-19.

The support has helped volunteers continue their activities to tackle social isolation, such as fish and chip Fridays, where volunteers deliver supper in a pink tuk tuk to elderly members of the community.

Providing more than just a meal, these regular activities keep volunteers from the foundation in touch with members of the community who might otherwise have little social interaction during the week.

The project is one of nine that have benefited from more than £14,000 to help those in need under Reach Rushcliffe.

The council’s cabinet portfolio holder for community and the environment, Abby Brennan, praised the charity’s efforts to reduce social isolation.

“I hope the pink tuk tuk remains a regular reassuring sight on the streets of Bingham and a reminder of the generosity, resilience and kindness of great local organisations,” she said.

Mary Storrie, of the foundation, said: “The funding has been hugely appreciated and will help our volunteers continue to connect with those who value their weekly catchups, food deliveries and link to our charity.”