Hundreds of lonely older people in Cornwall will be helped to become more connected to their communities, thanks to a grant of almost £78,000 from the Freemasons to Royal Voluntary Service.

The grant will fund a specially-designed programme which will provide over 200 older people in the county with new opportunities to build social connections and relationships. It will also allow the charity to give more vulnerable older people a link to the community through a Community Companions volunteer who will visit them at home, supporting them with practical help and getting out and about.

Surveys conducted by Royal Voluntary Service amongst older people in Cornwall found that just over three quarters (77 per cent) are experiencing loneliness and two thirds (66 per cent) feel they need more help with getting to GP appointments or social activities.

Lisa Knight, Operations Manager for Royal Voluntary Service said: ‘We’re very grateful to Cornwall freemasons for their generous grant, which will help us build on our existing work supporting older people in Cornwall, organise monthly social activities and recruit volunteers to provide companionship and practical support to older people in their homes.’