MALLING MAIL

THE LCG BUDDY SCHEME NEEDS YOU!

The LCG Befriending Service, also known as the Buddy Scheme, is run by the Larkfield Community Group. The aim of the scheme is to help alleviate isolation and loneliness in the Larkfield area, by having volunteers who make regular visits to people in their own homes for an hour or so a week.

The elderly, disabled, and people living alone often feel isolated, unnoticed, and forgotten. Similarly, people with early stages of dementia can sometimes be cut off from normal social interaction, which only increases the decline in their mental health. Befriending visits are tremendously helpful in battling the problem of loneliness and isolation because they show people that others care about them and that they have somebody that they can talk to. For people without family members close by, this support can be invaluable. “Research shows that befriending helps people reconnect with their community and reduce loneliness.” - Age UK. When you volunteer one hour of your time, you positively transform two lives, both yours and your clients. Our volunteers are making a real, invaluable impact on the lives of lonely and isolated people.

If you are over 18, friendly, compassionate, a good listener and have a spare hour or so during the day, and would like to volunteer to be a Buddy, or want to know more, please contact Jackie on: 07563 196479 or email: larkfieldcommunitygroup@gmail.com

Three quarters of GPs surveyed have said they are seeing between one and five people a day suffering with loneliness, which is linked to a range of damaging health impacts, like heart disease, strokes and Alzheimer’s disease. Around 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month.

A number of studies attest to the fact that befriending helped (people) re-engage with their local community and participate in more social activities, often as a result of increased self-confidence.

- avco.org.uk

Befriending Networks Report.

COME AND JOIN US - SINGING IS GOOD FOR YOU!

West Malling Community Choir is an inclusive and very friendly group bringing local people together to enjoy singing and making music. We have over 100 members.

Following the COVID Pandemic and the need for social distancing when we could meet again in person, we have made a welcome return to West Malling and now meet every Tuesday evening at St Thomas More Church from 7.15 pm to 8.45pm.

We celebrated our 10th anniversary last year which included an Anniversary Party and joint concert with Mixed Blessings in February, a Platinum Jubilee concert in June and a tour to Somerset in October, singing with the Frome Good Afternoon Choir. Also on tour we took the opportunity to sing informally in Wells Cathedral Chapter House and Salisbury Cathedral. The choir’s repertoire and reputation has grown significantly over the ten years as West Malling Community Choir has performed joint concerts with other choirs locally, further afield and in France, sung in Rochester and Canterbury Cathedrals and in London venues including the Royal Albert Hall.

Our next performances are at Knole House Sevenoaks, on 1st July. (Keep an eye on the Knole House website ) and with Invicta Jazz Orchestra on 7th October. To join or get more info contact westmallingcc@hotmail.co.uk

HAVING TROUBLE GETTING OUT?

Kent Karrier is a transport service using wheelchair friendly minibuses and experienced drivers. If you are over 85, live in a rural area more than 500 meters from a bus stop or railway station, and have a mobility difficulty or other medical condition that makes travelling on public transport difficult, you can book this door to door service.

Pickups begin at 9.30 am and the return journeys from Maidstone run from 12.30 pm. KK pick up on Mondays at Addington, Aylesford, Birling, Burham, Ditton, Larkfield, Leybourne, Ryarsh Snodland and Wouldham, to go to Maidstone. On Tuesday the service picks up at East Malling, Mereworth, Offham, Wateringbury and West Malling again to go to Maidstone.

The fee is currently between £2.50 and £3.30. Ring 03000 413567 to book.

Malling and District Repair Cafe

10.30am to 1.30pm Refreshments

Sat 17 June