St Monica Trust has released funding to help tackle the long-term implications of Covid-19 on older people, such as the loss of local groups and activities, plus the impact of increased isolation on health and wellbeing.
The Bristol-based charity is providing £480,000 in funding for organisations across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, with the Grateful Society contributing a further £90,000 to fund the inner City and East Bristol.
In total, the funding will provide six organisations with £95,000 over three years to run community development projects in their local area.
“While the coronavirus pandemic has affected all aspects of life, its consequences have significantly impacted older people in the region and there are many barriers for them to overcome in order to re-engage with their communities,” said St Monica Trust’s director of community impact Adam Rees.
“We are providing funding for community development projects that will support community activities to restart and to work with older people and help them re-engage in their communities again. The project will provide light touch support across the region with the aim of encouraging collaboration and linking older people into existing services,” he added.
Founded in 1920, the St Monica Trust has always supported individuals outside of its retirement communities, helping to tackle issues that affect the lives of older people in Bristol and the surrounding area.
Grateful Society president Dr Jacqueline Cornish added: "There has been a frightening loss of resilience in this population and hence the attendant risks of declining mental and physical health, making eventual rehabilitation more of a challenge.
“This project will bring older people back into society, giving them the confidence to not only successful re-integrate, but crucially be valued contributors to their community."
