Time Together programme awarded National Lottery funding to support local community
Time Together programme awarded National Lottery funding to support local community
1 Dec 2024 by Sandra Wright Events
‘Time Together’, an initiative led by the charity Devon Business & Education Trust (DBET), has been awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Awards for All scheme. This significant funding means the programme can grow and continue bringing people together over the next two years.
Time Together is a local project that brings people over the age of 70 together in rural East Devon for events approximately every month. From memory cafés to film screenings at Tale’s Devon Business & Education Centre and outings to local pubs including Payhembury’s Six Bells, the programme has become a lifeline for those facing loneliness in and around the Talaton, Payhembury, and Clyst Hydon area. These gatherings include a professionally catered hot meal and a chance to come together in a warm space, all free of charge. With the new funding, Time Together will now be able to extend its reach, providing more opportunities for companionship and shared experiences to even more people in the community.
“This is an incredible recognition for the Time Together project, team, and our amazing volunteers who make it happen,” said Chris Lorimer, Director of DBET. “The funding will help us enhance our programme of events and ensure we can continue providing them for our community. We know how isolation can lead to significant loneliness and difficult times, especially during the colder months. With this support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we can continue making a real difference by offering a warm space, transport, and companionship, creating a sense of belonging for many.”
The programme was first developed in 2022 to offer more opportunities for connecting with others – often difficult due to poor transport links between villages and rising cost of living challenges. By offering free events and transport, Time Together ensures that participants can gather without worries about cost or accessibility.
One participant shared, “The friendship and support I’ve found through Time Together have been invaluable—it’s helped me feel part of the community again.”
Time Together’s next event is 12 December with plans for a Christmas get together.
We would love to hear from you if you or someone you know would be interested in coming along to a Time Together event. Find more information about dates here or get in touch to find out more by contacting Anita Elsom or via our email address timetogether@dbetrust.co.uk
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