Good neighbours receive cash

Friday July 16, 2010

A Fulham group that provides friendship and a helping hand around the home has been awarded a council grant of £38,000.

The Fulham Good Neighbour Service was established in 1966 to engage local volunteers in helping older people who are housebound or frail with tasks around the home and garden, from changing light bulbs to wheelchair outings to gardening or simply having someone to have a friendly chat and a cuppa with.

Located at Rosaline Hall, Fulham, the group also work with people with mental illness, disabilities, terminal illness or any one else who asks for help.

Sue O'Neil, Chairman of Trustees at the Fulham Good Neighbour Service, said: “We are delighted with this excellent news. The council has been giving us grant aid for 30 years and we are overjoyed that they are continuing to fund us and help us carry on serving the community in Fulham.”

Cllr Lucy Ivimy, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The Fulham Good Neighbour Service, together with the volunteers who give up their spare time to help people less fortunate than themselves are amongst the borough’s unsung heroes. The council is thrilled to be able to help the group out during these tough financial times. The volunteers really make a difference to the people they help - it is amazing how far a little friendship can go.  The service has been around for over 40 years now and I hope they will last at least another 40 years.”

If you can help by volunteering or would like more information about using the service, please call 020 7385 8850 or email fgns@easynet.co.uk.