The Manx Charity, Southern Befrienders (Charity Number 0939) is pleased to announce the appointment of Zoe Hampton in a new position for the charity of Social Events/Lunches Facilitator & Driver. The position is only possible due to the financial support provided by PokerStars through its Helping Hands programme.

The position has come about due to feedback received from Service Users of the Charity who asked for trips out and social lunches.

“This is a very natural development of the services offered by the charity, and thanks to Pokerstars we have been able to appoint Zoe to lead this side of our work with older people.” said Lorna Trevethan, Manager of Southern Befrienders.

“I’m really excited to have joined Southern Befrienders as they are providing an invaluable service to elderly people in the south of the island. The elderly community love going out and if they no longer drive this can be difficult. This service ensures that they remain involved with the community.” said Zoe. Since being appointed Zoe has passed her Midas mini bus test and has already organised some lunches, including a trip from Port Erin to Castletown on the train with lunch at The Sidings. Zoe is planning many trips and also helps to facilitate the weekly Board Games Afternoon at Thie Rosien in Port Erin, which takes place every Thursday afternoon from 2pm.

“We are very pleased to support Southern Befrienders by funding this role which will allow them to provide additional services to older people.” said Sue Hammett, Head of Corporate Giving for PokerStars.

Southern Befrienders vision is to see an inclusive community enriched by relationships across all generations, in order to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation particularly in older people. Southern Befrienders provide home visits through a group of volunteer befrienders who visit elderly people who are registered with the Charity.

If you would like more information about Southern Befrienders or would like to come along to the lunches and on the social trips, please contact the office on 833025, southernbefrienders@manx.net or find us on Facebook.