A volunteer project by Caledonia Housing Association received a boost this week with confirmation of £149,788 of grant funding from the Big Lottery Fund over the next five years.

The award will provide funding for a further five years of the Association’s volunteering and befriending programme enabling the project to continue and expand its existing activities and befriending work aimed at reducing isolation and loneliness amongst older people.

The volunteering project has grown from strength to strength over the last five years with 100 volunteers providing on average 4,000 hours per year of volunteering activities in Caledonia Housing Association properties across Tayside, Perthshire, Fife and Angus.

Projects include seated exercise classes, bingo, carpet bowls, coffee mornings and computer help sessions. Befriending work offers opportunities for older people to have closer relationships and perhaps explore activities outwith the home setting.

Gill Donoghue, head of support service for Caledonia Housing Association, said “We are absolutely delighted to be successful in our bid to receive grant funding from the Big Lottery Fund. Over the last five years we have developed a successful volunteer project, delivering great outcomes in our communities with the support of our amazing volunteers.

“This funding will allow this to continue and more importantly grow. We’d like to thank The Big Lottery Fund and the National Lottery players that create the fund that make all of this possible – thank you.”

Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “I am delighted that Caledonia Housing Association has been successful in securing a Big Lottery Fund grant. The funding will make a big difference where it is needed most and I wish the Caledonia Housing Association every success as it goes on to develop and expand its project for the benefit of their local community.”