Recognition For Project That Connects And Helps Elderly People

Published on: 24 Nov, 2014
Updated on: 24 Nov, 2014

A Guildford-based scheme that works with elderly people to improve their wellbeing has been recognised in this year’s Surrey-wide Living and Ageing Well Awards.

Community Connectors, based in north Guildford, recruits volunteers, who are usually older people, and they in turn connect with others who are experiencing loneliness and isolation, helping them to take part in activities, services or maybe something new of their choice.

Denise Graves (right) is presented with the award for Community Connectors by Guildford Borough Council community warden Tracy James.

It was a runner up in the Brining the Community Together category of the Living and Ageing Well Awards.

Over the past two years Community Connectors, run by Voluntary Action South West Surrey and co-ordinated by Denise Graves, has built up a network of volunteers who have been doing invaluable work helping older people in their communities.

Some of the referrals of older people who may benefit from a Community Connector friend have come from Guildford Borough Council’s community wardens, who, as part of their work meet and identify people who need some extra help in their lives.

The warden for Westborough and Park Barn, Tracy James, knowing the great work that Community Connectors’ does nominated the project and Denise Graves for an award.

Tracy personally presented a thrilled Denise with the award and certificate for Community Connectors when she visited Voluntary Action South West Surrey’s Castle Street, Guildford, offices on Friday last week.

Community Connectors was pipped to the post by Lynn Baxter and the Mole Valley Ponderers, who were judged the winner of the community award. That group was founded for people with dementia who previously attended the Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust’s Cognitive Stimulation Group so they would have ongoing social support, company, and meaningful engagement with others on a weekly basis.

Click here for more details about the Living and Ageing Well Awards 2014.

For details about Community Connectors, click here.