The Link Visiting Scheme and the Great British Business and Community Awards

That this House congratulates The Link Visiting Scheme in Wokingham on being awarded the Charity of the Year title at the Great British Business and Community Awards; recognises the outstanding work the charity has done over 27 years to tackle loneliness and social isolation among older people in the Borough, by matching volunteers with older adults, running projects such as befriending, Active Minds, Link Online and friendship groups; notes the judges’ comment that the charity had made an extraordinary impact … connecting over 1,000 older adults with volunteers and calling it a shining example of compassion in action; acknowledges the value of such voluntary and community-based organisations in strengthening social bonds, improving mental health and reducing isolation; and calls on the Government to ensure that befriending and social connection services for those vulnerable to isolation are properly supported and funded.