A Halliwell charity has hit a 30-year milestone helping the elderly fight loneliness. Halliwell Befriending Service celebrated its 30th anniversary in style at the Roundhouse with elderly service users and supporters across the community. More than 150 guests enjoyed a buffet, dancing and entertainment by vocalist Sheila Diamond.
And the charity looked back at three decades of offering elderly people friendship and connection. Lisa Rayner, Coordinator at Halliwell Befriending Service , said: “When someone is referred to our befriending service, we visit them assess their needs. “Sometimes it can be as simple as a bus pass or registering for a Ring and Ride.
(Image: Halliwell Befriending Service) “But if you’re isolated and can’t leave your property, it’s a massive thing. “We also run a lot of groups in our Halliwell Road community centre, like luncheon and craft clubs. “Our aim to get people out and socialising because that interaction can help stop the isolation.
” According to Age UK, 1.4 million older people report often being lonely. And over the years, the charity has had to deal with new issues that fuel that loneliness .
Lisa said: “We’ve had a digital drop-in that covers technology skills that older people may struggle with. Halliwell Befriending Service staff, from left: Emma Carcione, Jackie Hallen, Lisa Rayner (Image: Halliwell Befriending Service) “Everything has moved online and a lot of them can't access or don’t know how to use it. “T.