A care home is offering three grants totalling £30,000 to help combat loneliness. 

Hickathrift House care home in Marshland St James is offering the grants in the name of a former Barchester resident Jeanette Gill, who generously donated part of her legacy to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. 

The foundation is calling for deserving local charities and community groups to apply for these special awards. 

Named in her memory, the Jeanette Gill Special Awards are open to groups and individuals in need in our local community and will be awarded to projects that enrich lives and encourage an active lifestyle for older people or adults with a disability, or those that may have challenges with mental health. 

This year will mark the last round of grants. 

The three awards available: 

  • £15,000 gold award (open to groups) 
  • £10,000 silver award (open to groups) 
  • £5,000 bronze award (open to individuals) 

CEO of Barchester Healthcare and chairman of the foundation, Dr Pete Calveley, said: “We were extremely touches that one of our residents donated so generously to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation. 

“We thought it would be fitting to create these flagship grants in her honour and memory as a tribute the lives she is helping.” 

He added: “The charity does so much for local communities to tackle and reduce loneliness for many people, and these grants will make a big difference to those in need.” 

The foundation is particularly interested in innovative initiatives that tackle isolation and loneliness, and which bring sustained outcomes and positive changes for the people benefitting. 

To find out more about how to apply for a Jeanette Gill Award please visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk. The closing date for applications is March 26