Thank you from Link Age Southwark (Big Give Christmas Challenge)

[info@linkagesouthwar]

Everyone’s counting the pennies as the cost of living crisis hits home, but kind-hearted supporters have helped local charity Link Age Southwark, raise £20,210 in just one week – for their Big Give Christmas Challenge fundraising campaign. This year’s campaign was focused on the provision of vital transport services for older people, people living with dementia and their carers.

The Big Give is the UK’s biggest online match funding campaign. Link Age Southwark needed to raise £10,000 in online donations during the week of 29 November to 6 December in order to see that doubled to £20,000 thanks to a Big Give Christmas Challenge ‘pledge pot’ of a further £10,000 generously pledged by Patrons of the charity and the Lake House Charitable Foundation. The charity reached their £10,000 target on Monday 5 December, ahead of the midday deadline on 6 December – and Link Age Southwark will receive a fantastic total of £20,210.

These vital funds will help Link Age Southwark provide volunteer drivers, escorted taxis for those living with dementia and their carers, and the use of an accessible minibus for larger events to enable over 250 local people to leave their homes to attend a warm and safe space for social, exercise and activity groups organised by the charity. With temperatures dropping and the difficult financial situation continuing to make headlines, these journeys will be more important than ever.

Edith, who uses Link Age Southwark’s services, said: “It gets me out of my home where I am usually on my own during the day. I look forward to being in the company of others – it's good to exercise and to talk. It makes me feel less lonely. I have mobility problems; my balance is poor and I am afraid that I will fall. I can't use public transport or walk. It is great that Link Age Southwark arrange free transport. If I had to pay it, I am not sure I would be able to attend.”

Sophie Wellings, Chief Executive of Link Age Southwark said: “We believe no older person should feel lonely. We’re doing all we can to ensure the people we work with can continue to get out and about, and have warm, safe and welcoming places where they can enjoy exercise and social activities with their peers, our staff and volunteers. This £20,210 is a wonderful festive boost to our work, and we’re so grateful to everyone who supported our Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign.”

Link Age Southwark relies on donations for the transport services it provides, as well as the other services they provide free of charge – these include a befriending scheme, hospital buddies for older people having elective surgery, digital support and a regular newsletter as well as one-to-one support with form filling and accessing local services. You can make a donation at any time, or find out more about volunteering opportunities with Link Age Southwark at www.linkagesouthwark.org