18 hours ago
West Lothian charity benefits from recent round of funding awards made by People's Postcode Trust
The West Lothian 50+ Network supports some 700 members aged 50 to 90 through a wide range of social, learning and wellbeing activities held throughout the week.
A West Lothian charity which provides a wide range of social opportunities for older people has benefited from the recent round of funding awards made by the People's Postcode Trust.
Thanks to funds raised by players of the People's Postcode Lottery, Bathgate-based charity West Lothian 50+ Network has received a substantial funding award from People's Postcode Trust to support its vital work tackling isolation and improving wellbeing for older people across the region.
The West Lothian 50+ Network supports some 700 members aged 50 to 90 through a wide range of social, learning and wellbeing activities held throughout the week.
The charity's hub in Bathgate offers a welcoming, accessible space where older people can meet for a cuppa, a chat or to take part in any of the 75 activity groups running across the region.
With this new funding, the Network will respond directly to recent feedback from members calling for more weekend options, longer opening hours at the hub, and more local group opportunities.
The support will allow the charity to expand what's already working and reach even more older adults who may be feeling isolated or disconnected.
Jamie Seery, charity manager at West Lothian 50+ Network, said: 'We're absolutely delighted to receive this award. We hear time and again how important the Network is for our members, for their health, their confidence, their sense of community and overall wellbeing.
'Thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery, this funding means we can act on what our members have asked for and create more chances for connection right across West Lothian.
Sue Bedford-Visser, Chair of the West Lothian 50+ Network, added: 'West Lothian's elderly population is growing faster than the national Scottish average, with those aged over 75 set to increase by 39 per cent by 2028.
'This rate of growth has implications for the Network as a provider of services for older people and is likely to lead to increased demand for activities, and increased resources across the board.
'This new funding from the People's Postcode Lottery is very welcome indeed.'
West Lothian 50+ Network is one of many grassroots organisations across Great Britain being supported by People's Postcode Trust, thanks to the generosity of lottery players.
