Sheffield Chamber member SCCCC is taking on the Big Give Christmas Challenge and needs your help.

13th November 2023

After the success of the 2022 campaign, SCCCC is once again taking on the challenge of raising £6,000 to support isolated older people in Sheffield with help from its supporters.

SCCCC’s Head of Fundraising, Development & Engagement,  Mark Smith, explains why the older people charity is taking part in the national campaign; 

“We are taking part in The Big Give matched funding campaign for the second year running and aim to reach out to provide one-to-one befriending and support to even more older people, by recruiting more volunteers to help meet the increasing and demand.

We currently have around 165 volunteers matched with older people but have a waiting list of over 200 people waiting to be matched. We are keeping in touch with them with regular phone support and also sending them mail via our pen pal scheme whilst we recruit and train more volunteers to help meet the demand. But many are still lonely with only the TV for company.”

Service June James shared her thoughts after being paired with Jackie, a Good Neighbours Scheme friendly visitor. “The volunteer made the difference, she came just at the right time really, because I don't think I would have lasted much longer on my own. It was about that emotional link, having someone to talk to, someone who understands how you're feeling."

SCCCC have secured £3k in matched funding for The Big Give. During the public phase of the campaign (which runs midday on Tues 28th November until midday on Mon 5th December) they are aiming to raise £3k in donations which would then unlock the £3k matched funding pot – aiming for an overall £6k target. During this phase, donors can donate anything between £1 or hundreds of pounds and therefore get their donation doubled!

Can you donate and give the gift of friendship this Christmas?  

Donate online from 28th November until 5th December and see your donation magically double. Reducing loneliness and isolation in older people (biggive.org)