TrustATrader, the online directory of trusted and approved local traders, has announced its official support of national charity Friends of the Elderly.
The charity’s research shows that over five million older people are affected by loneliness – something that TrustATrader members see evidence of on a daily basis. This, and their desire to make change, is why the company is supporting Friends of the Elderly’s ‘Be a Friend’ campaign.
To launch the partnership, TrustATrader is encouraging 100 of its members to take part in the Battersea Park 5k and 10k runs on Sunday 18 October to raise money for Friends of the Elderly and awareness about the cause.
Friends of the Elderly’s ‘Be a Friend’ campaign is combatting loneliness in the older population by encouraging people to get to know their older neighbours. Research by the charity found that over five million older people in the UK are affected by loneliness, with more than a million (1 in 10 older people) saying they often feel lonely. The research also predicts that demographic change alone will drive up the number of lonely older people in the UK by 40 per cent over the next 15 years.
Steve Allen, Chief Executive at Friends of the Elderly, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be working with TrustATrader to reduce loneliness in the older population. Having a team of traders running in Battersea Park to fundraise for our befriending services is the perfect launch to our partnership, and we look forward to many more traders getting involved in the future. We believe that feeling lonely or alone shouldn’t be a natural part of getting older and we aspire to a society where all older people have the opportunity to live fulfilled lives. With your support, we make that vision a reality.”
Gary McEwen, Managing Director of TrustATrader, added:
“At TrustATrader we value the honesty and reliability of our trusted professionals. We go into the homes of older people every day and want people to get quality jobs done for a fair price. We’ve teamed up with Friends of the Elderly to support the charity’s Be a Friend campaign, which encourages people to simply look out for their older family, friends and neighbours where they can. It’s a great cause, and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of our traders fundraising and running in Battersea Park this October to kick off our partnership.”
For more information visit www.fote.org.uk