A READING charity is the latest to receive a boost from the John Sykes Foundation as the cost of living crisis continues.
Age UK Reading has been awarded a £1,000 grant from the foundation’s Cost of Living Crisis Fund, established earlier this year.
The grant will go towards funding supplies for the various social events and clubs which Age UK provides, including treats and extras.
They also received a visit from John Sykes himself, the founder and chair of trustees at the foundation, when he attended the charity’s head office in Walford Hall.
He was joined there by those attending their weekly volunteer-run coffee morning to present the cheque.
Funding support will also mean that the charity can continue to offer transport services, provide food and supplies at events, and special events such as the annual trip to performances at the Hexagon
John Sykes said, “We are proud to support such an active and important service in Reading, this is about eliminating isolation and providing a safe and sociable place for the elderly to attend on a weekly basis.
“I was so delighted to be invited to visit the coffee morning and meet a number of their service users and to find out more about this vital service.
“Our donation will enable Age UK Reading to continue their warm welcome, provide hot drinks and food for the clubs, provide funds for trips to the theatre, and help it through these extremely challenging times.”
Age UK Reading is one of the smaller partners within the Age UK network and works to improve the lives of older people.
Its CEO, Matt Taylor, said: “Age UK Reading enables older people and their carers to live more enjoyable, fulfilling lives.
“Clients are often beset by loneliness, isolation, poor health and mobility issues, with a number rarely able to leave their homes.”
“We provide essential, helpful services including footcare clinics, an information and advice helpline, trusted shopping and gardening, and a full range of social activities.
These include: “weekly coffee mornings, STAR Clubs (Stimulating, Therapeutic, Active, Respite), and sessions for those living with low level dementia.”
He explained that “client numbers are growing again following Covid, and we know from experience that those clients will be with us for many years.
“We make a difference to their lives– they see our Monday Morning Pop-In as a ‘great way to start the week’.
“We provide opportunities for connection with their community; we value their life experience and their continuing contribution to the life of their community.”
If you are part of a local charity or group, more information about applying for support from the John Sykes Cost of Living Crisis Fund is available via: johnsykesfoundation.org/cost-of-living-crisis-fund.
More information about support provided by Age UK is available via: ageuk.org.uk/reading/
