Farron: Westmorland General gets funding for volunteer scheme

Age UK South Lakeland and the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust will gain a slice of a £470,740 grant from the Government, Tim Farron has announced today.

This funding will support the link up of volunteers and elderly people, many of whom spend long periods in hospitals. This will help to ensure that they will receive not only appropriate physical care and support, but also companionship and friendship from dedicated volunteers.

These funds will help provide around 500 volunteers at 7 schemes across the country for a further 12 weeks, who will in turn support at least an additional 2,500 older people. The money will support the paid staff overseeing the projects, recruitment and training for volunteers and transport for volunteers and patients.

The funds will come from recent fines levied on the Department of Health, due to NHS England breaking strict off-payroll rules imposed by the Treasury to tackle tax avoidance.

Tim said: "This funding will make a big difference and will help to improve care for people in our community. I am delighted that a slice of this package of funding will be coming to the South Lakes."