A care home charity has launched a set of grants to help tackle isolation and loneliness, in memory of a kind-hearted resident who bequeathed the funds which will facilitate the grants.
Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, created by care group Barchester Healthcare, supports practical solutions to increase personal independence, self-sufficiency and dignity and combat loneliness in older people and other adults with a disability across England, Scotland & Wales.
Jeanette June Gill, who was a resident at Marriott House Care Home in Chichester, generously donated to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation to help people in need. Inspired by her kindness, the registered charity has launched three special awards to honour her legacy.
The Jeanette June Gill Awards, launched on 1st November, are open to groups and individuals in need in our local communities, and will be awarded to outstanding projects that enrich lives and encourage an active lifestyle through arts, music, sports and culture for older people or adults with a disability, or those that may have challenges with mental health.
With a particular interest in innovations that tackle isolation and loneliness, the grants, worth a total of £30,000, will be presented to applicants who pledge to bring sustained outcomes and positive change and benefits to groups or individuals.
The three awards available include the £15,000 GOLD AWARD, which is open to groups; the £10,000 SILVER AWARD also open to groups; and the £5,000 BRONZE AWARD open to individuals.
The awards will take place across three rounds- one in 2019, one in 2020 and one in 2021.
Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare and Chairman of the charity, said: “We were extremely touched that one of our residents donated so generously to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, and myself and the board of trustees thought it would be a fitting tribute to have these flagship grants in her honour and memory as a tribute to the lives she would make a difference to. The charity does so much for local communities throughout the country to tackle and reduce loneliness for many people, and these grants will make a big difference to those in need. We hope to honour her legacy for many years to come.”
Across 2019 (with two months still to go), Barchester’s Charitable Foundation has awarded £125,000 in grants to 81 community groups/local charities and 77 individuals helping reduce isolation and loneliness, promote group activities and improve people’s mobility, independence and quality of life.
To find out more about how to apply for a Jeanette June Gill Award, or to find out more information about the charity please visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk. The closing date for applications for this round is 30th November 2019.
