AGE UK Bromsgrove Redditch and Wyre Forest is celebrating after being awarded more than £72,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The charity is set to use the huge amount of money to support its Befriending Service over the next three years, a service which is often described as a lifeline by its users.

As a charity supporting older people, Age UK’S free Befriending Service is based on friendship, with volunteers regularly visiting a person in their home or calling them for a chat.

Amanda Allen, CEO at Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest said: “These are difficult times for charities, with challenges on finances, whilst demand for services continues to grow.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can safeguard the provision of our Befriending service for the next three years for the 300 plus people that we are already regularly supporting, as well as seeking ways to develop the service so that we can reach and support more people.

“Regular contact is so important to our well-being, providing a sense of belonging, helping with confidence and making people feel less anxious and alone.

“This funding will really help to make a big difference to people’s lives.”

The Befriending Service regularly supports more than 300 people and is supported by a team of more than 50 volunteers.

The new National Lottery funding will support the running costs for the service, including staffing and volunteer costs, as well as helping the charity to recruit more volunteers so that it can support more older people across North Worcestershire, helping to prevent and tackle loneliness.

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK and the National Lottery Community Fund distributes a share of this to projects to support people and communities.