A new grant of £20,000 will help our community to thrive over the next two years.
Walking Buddies pairs up volunteers with beneficiaries who have lost the confidence to go out of their home for a walk by themselves. This pairing enables beneficiaries to get out walking whilst building new connections and friendships, thereby contributing to both improved mental and physical health and reducing social isolation in what is a very rural area of Essex.
We have had 175% increase in referrals in the last year and this demand is still growing. With funding for the voluntary sector in decline, it has been a difficult few months and we weren’t sure how much longer we could keep this programme running, but now thanks to The National Lottery grant, we will be able to dedicate a team member to managing Walking Buddies, we can recruit and train more volunteers, and increase awareness of the service and its health benefits.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer walker, please email volunteer@ucan.org.uk for more information.
People interested in being matched with a volunteer can call us on 01371 404525, apply through Uttlesford Frontline or email connect@ucan.org.uk