BASINGSTOKE NeighbourCare secured a grant of £19,500 from the National Lottery Community Fund to help more older locals.

Funds will enhance older residents' quality of life, enabling them to continue living in their homes longer.

The charity supports independence in elderly individuals and those with limited mobility through volunteer driving services to appointments, befriending, hosting weekly community cafés, and aiding in minor home and garden jobs.

With the rising older population in Basingstoke, the demand for NeighbourCare's offerings has grown.

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(Image: Supplied) The charity, which operates from The Orchard near Basingstoke's War Memorial Park, was established in 1997 and is a registered charity under the number 1154382.

The dedication of its volunteers gained recognition last year, securing the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The awarded grant has been facilitated by National Lottery players' contributions.

Geoffrey Belsham, chairperson, said: "Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, we can directly support more people across Basingstoke and build a stronger, more connected community. Loneliness and isolation are growing issues, and we aim to make a real difference."

NeighbourCare is actively seeking more volunteers to help run its existing and new projects.  Volunteering is great fun and the charity is looking for people with a wide variety of skills to help further its varied goals.

If you are interested, visit NeighbourCare website, have an informal chat with its co-ordinators based at 'The Orchard, or ring one of the trustees.