AGE CONCERN ISLE OF MAN AWARDED GRANT TO SUPPORT ELDERLY COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT WINTER PERIOD

Age Concern Isle of Man has received funding from Manx Lottery Trust to host a range of warm space events for older members of the Manx community throughout the winter months.

The local charity, which was awarded a £1,500 grant from the Trust’s Community Warm Space Fund, has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for older people in the Isle of Man since 1992. The charity’s warm space events are aimed at individuals aged 50 and over who are at risk of isolation, hunger and/or cold and will include free warm lunches and hot refreshments.

The charity will also be joined by several guest speakers who will be offering advice on the current cost of living crisis, with the events including a range of activities including wellbeing sessions, social opportunities, and creative classes.

Maureen Cowbourne, CEO of Age Concern Isle of Man, said: ‘The festive period and winter months can be an especially difficult time for vulnerable members of the older community who suffer from isolation, extreme hardship, or health issues - and adding the cost of living crisis into the mix just heightens the challenges that many of these individuals face. Following the success of the charity’s initial warm space session held in November, which was attended by over 30 people, we felt the demand and opportunity was there to create a programme of similar events throughout the winter period.

‘Offering a safe, warm, and welcoming space, our events will provide attendees with the opportunity to enjoy a free warm lunch, meet friends and wider members of the community, learn new things, and take part in activities to keep their minds and bodies healthy.

‘I’d like to say a huge thank you to Manx Lottery Trust. Its support has been really important in helping to get these much-needed events off the ground.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘We are pleased to support Age Concern Isle of Man on its mission to improve the health and wellbeing of the Isle of Man’s older community throughout winter.’

To find out more about Age Concern Isle of Man and their warm space events, visit: www.ageconcern.im/.

This grant is from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Warm Spaces Fund. To find out more, head to: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes/.