Ashley Ritchie with members of the local community at event
Asda’s charity, The Asda Foundation, has awarded over £600,000 worth of grants to 763 groups across the UK tackling loneliness and isolation this festive season, including 43 in Northern Ireland.
Grants awarded are between £400 and £2,000 and are aimed at supporting groups bringing their local community together this Christmas.
The initiative follows information from Asda’s latest community tracker, which revealed almost one in five people over 60 experienced days last Christmas when they didn’t speak to a single soul. Worryingly, 42 per cent said their mental health suffered as a result of their lack of interaction with others.
Asda Antrim Community Champion Ashley pictured handing over the cheque to Impact Network NI Manager Wendy and NICHI Officer Pamela
One of the successful groups to receive funding of £400 is Impact Network NI, providing development and support to local community groups and voluntary organisations throughout Northern Ireland.
The Asda Foundation funding was used by the group to host an event for senior citizens to take part in a festive arts and crafts workshop.
Pamela McClelland, Project Officer for Impact Network NI said:
“We would like to thank the Asda Foundation for the funding we received, this programme has been a great asset in our community, bringing older people together over the winter months.”
Ashley Ritchie with member of the local community at event
Ashley Ritchie, Community and Customer Champion at Asda Antrim, said:
“I am so pleased that Impact Network were successful in their grant application. The service they provide for seniors in the area is wonderful. I have been invited to play games with this group against the local primary school, where the competition was fierce, and the craic was mighty!
“I also took part in their Christmas craft well-being workshop where we all made beautiful tree decorations. I feel really honoured to be able to spend time with this fantastic group of seniors, as they have been so inviting, giving me many words of wisdom and sharing stories of their past. I look forward to seeing what we will plan to do together next year.”
Martin Kendal, Asda Foundation - Communications and Impact Advisor, said:
“Whilst Christmas is a joyful time for many the reality is that the festive season can also be lonely and isolating. Therefore, it’s incredibly important for community groups to have the necessary resources to support those who need it the most during this time.
“From groups centred around bringing people together over a shared interest or hobby, to projects set up to support vulnerable people in our community – these organisations are a lifeline for many, often facing high demand with the added pressure of shortages in donations and volunteers. We hope this Asda Foundation funding can support their needs during this time.”