Fernwood Lancaster Grange care home gives grants to ease loneliness

A care home is launching three grants, totalling £30,000, to help alleviate loneliness.

Lancaster Grange care home, Fernwood, is launching the grants in the name of a former resident, Jeanette Gill, who donated part of her legacy to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The foundation is calling for deserving local charities and community groups to apply.

Dr Pete Calveley, chief executive of Barchester Healthcare and chairman of the foundation, said: “We were extremely touched that one of our residents donated so generously to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

“We thought it would be a fitting to create these flagship grants in her honour and memory as a tribute to the lives she is helping.

"The charity does so much for local communities throughout the country to tackle and reduce loneliness for many people, and these grants will make a big difference to those in need. We hope to honour her legacy for many years to come.”

Named in her memory, the Jeanette Gill Special Awards, will be awarded to projects that enrich lives and encourage an active lifestyle through arts, music, sports and culture for older people or adults with a disability, or those that may have challenges with mental health.

There are three awards available ­— £15,000 gold award (for groups) £10,000 silver award (for groups) and £5,000 bronze award (for individuals).

The foundation is particularly interested in innovative initiatives that tackle isolation and loneliness, and which bring sustained outcomes and positive changes for the people benefitting.

For more information, go to the foundation website.

Closing date for applications for this round is February 28.