Bournemouth Freemasons raise funds for older people’s charity

A charity which tackles loneliness and isolation among older people in the community has received a financial boost of £2,766.58 from Freemasons in Bournemouth.

The befriending service of Helping Older People New Forest (HOPe) has given over 2,000 hours of support to more than 50 local older people in the last year.

By matching volunteers with those who are lonely or housebound, HOPe helps build lasting friendships that transform lives.

Geoff Cane-Richardson, who raised the funds during his year as Master of Boscombe Lodge, is a HOPe volunteer befriender. He said: “The money was raised by me and my wife Caroline and the members of Boscombe Lodge as part of the Freemasonry in the Community (FiTC) initiative.

“Alongside befriending, HOPe provides free advice and practical support, from benefit claims and paperwork to housing and utility issues, including 300 free home visits last year to those unable to travel.”

Pauline Hibbert, befriending coordinator, and Shirley Sidaway, support coordinator, thanked the lodge members and their families for making such a difference.

Stu at Paper Mountain in Ringwood printed the presentation cheque free of charge.