A SOLIHULL charity has been given a cash boost to help tackle loneliness.
Smiling Families, which supports those with a long-term condition with activity boxes and social events has been handed £8,000 by Western Power Distribution.
The electricity distributor awarded grants to charities and organisations working hard to tackle loneliness and isolation in the West Midlands from its Community Matters Fund as part of Mental Health Awareness Week earlier this month.
Kerry Martin-Beades from Smiling Families said: “We are so excited to begin work on our outreach sessions and activities to tackle isolation in the community and those battling illness or disability.
“The grant we have been given will make it possible for us to purchase specialised, adapted and sensory equipment for families to lend from our library.
“Thank you to Western Power Distribution for their support and kindness, many families will be given the opportunity to feel included and supported thanks to your belief in our project.”
Western Power Distribution’s resources and external affairs director, Alison Sleightholm, said: “We’re pleased to be able to help tackle this growing issue by supporting charities who provide crucial interventions and help build better mental health – coinciding with Mental Health Awareness week, which this year is all about combatting loneliness.
“It’s great to see the first charities and organisations receive their grants. They are providing crucial care and that will make a real impact on local lives.”
