A SOUTHAMPTON charity has received a £5,000 donation from the Barker Mill Foundation.

The money will go towards funding the charities core services

The information and advice service which provides an accessible point of contact for older people who need help on a range of issues.

The donation from BMF is the equivalent of providing the service to 125 vulnerable older people in Southampton, and will enable the charity to keep running the service over the next year.

Peter Bennie, Chief Officer from Age UK Southampton, said: “With a projected 17% increase in Southampton’s older population by 2024, the demand for our services is rising rapidly, so we rely on the generous help of our supporters by donations, leaving a gift in their will, fundraising and raising awareness.

“We are therefore extremely grateful to the Barker-Mill Foundation for generously donating £5,000 to help us to continue to provide our well used Information & Advice service. It will enable us to keep the service running, ensuring it is always free to all who need it regardless of their financial situation, as well as grow the service in response to the needs of the community.”

Tim Jobling, BMF Trustee, said: “The issue of loneliness amongst older people has become more profound in recent years and with the projected increase in the older population, demand for valuable services that Age UK Southampton and other similar charities provide will be higher.

“The Information & Advice line has proven invaluable to the older people that utilize the skills and knowledge of the team behind it, and we hope that the BMF donation will allow for its expansion throughout the next year as well as continue to provide support and advice to its current users”.

The service is accessible five days a week by telephone, e mail or dropping into the charity’s office.