Voluntary Action Epping Forest were given the keys to a new minibus by the Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation to help with transport to and from the charity’s Community Clubs.
The new minibus will provide a regular door-to-door transport for those people unable to travel without assistance. The vehicle has a tail lift for those using wheelchairs with a dedicated driver who will collect people from their door.
The clubs run in Leonard Davis House, Kiln Road in North Weald on Tuesdays, St John The Baptist Church, Loughton on Wednesdays and Jubilee Court in Waltham Abbey on Fridays. Clients enjoy afternoons of games, raffles, professional singers and bands and dancing.
The Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation was formed as a charity by the late Joseph and Lilian Sully and one of its specific aims was to assist the local area of Epping Forest where they lived and to provide support and friendship for those living on their own or in isolation.
The Foundation works closely with VAEF and helps with crucial funding for weekly social clubs, trips and support.
As well as offering weekly social clubs, Voluntary Action Epping Forest Community Clubs offer regular day trips out which include visits to the theatre, boat rides and much more.
These outings provide much needed stimulation to many while reducing their social/rural isolation and improving quality of life.
Because of their age and frailty, many clients would not be able to attend without the help of the minibus. This project is open to those over 65 years or over and their carers and provides a short respite for carers whilst social clubs operate.
In addition to weekly social clubs and day trips, VAEF offers a volunteer home visit service which provides a ‘friend’ who will be able to offer companionship by forming a trusting and supportive relationship offering a smile, a listening ear, links to other services and regular visits to the client’s home.
The charity is actively looking for volunteers to help more isolated people with this service.
Jacqui Foile, chief officer at VAEF, said: VAEF is incredibly grateful for the wonderful support they receive from the Sully Foundation and also the Big Lottery.
"The funding is a lifeline to our charity, enabling VAEF to prevent loneliness and isolation to many of our residents in the District."
- For further information on VAEF, Community Clubs, becoming a volunteer or seeing how we can help someone you know, please contact the club’s co-ordinator, Julie Bailey-Maher on: jbailey-maher@vaef.org.uk
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