Leeds project given another year to continue tackling loneliness among older people

Time to Shine, managed by the charity Leeds Older people’s Forum (LOPF) has been given a cash boost by the National Lottery Community Fund allowing it to continue into 2021 and help combat the “huge” effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the older community.

Bill Rollinson, chairman of LOPF, said he was “delighted” at the news.

“This extension of our programme is testament to the remarkable creativity and hard work of all the organisations we’ve worked with through Time to Shine.

“It’s come at just the right time, allowing us to continue to support vital work responding to and recovering from Covid-19 throughout 2021.”

The extension will allow Time to Shine to further tailor its services to the Covid-19 response including promoting access to digital activities, rebuilding strength and confidence after lockdown and developing intergenerational activity.

Charity chiefs also plan on using the additional year to focus on work with South Asian and African Caribbean communities who have been amongst those hardest hit by Covid-19.

Rachel Cooper, chief executive of LOPF, said: “Covid has forced older people into greater isolation and the loneliness this brings is having a huge effect on their mental health.

“Sadly we only expect this to worsen as we head into the winter months.

“An additional year of Time to Shine will enable us to reduce loneliness and put into practice and share all that we have learned over the past six years.”

Time to Shine is part of Ageing Better, a programme set up by the National Lottery Community Fund, to develop creative ways for people aged over 50 to be actively involved in their communities, helping to combat social isolation and loneliness.

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