B&NES Council Community Challenge Partnership

Leonard Cheshire is the UK’s leading charity supporting disabled people. Every year, we support thousands of people in the UK and around the world with physical and learning disabilities to fulfil their potential and live the lives they choose. We aspire for a society in which every person is equally valued. We believe that disabled people should have the freedom to live their lives the way they choose, with the opportunity and support to live independently, to contribute economically, and to participate fully in society. This belief is at the heart of everything we do. Llanhennock Lodge sits in a peaceful rural setting on the outskirts of Caerleon, in South Wales. We are only a short distance from Newport, which has a range of local amenities including shops, pubs, a library, leisure centre and garden centre. There are also plenty of places to visit nearby including the Brecon Beacons, the Usk and Wye Valleys, and the South Wales coast.

Action against loneliness: using new technology (iPads/ Tablets), the service will provide support for older people who are on the waiting list for the volunteer befriending service at Age UK. iPad /Tablets will be offered on a free loan basis. Volunteers will interact with their contact once a week through Skype or Facechat to increase greater levels of social interaction. Volunteers can co-ordinate their chats in line with their busy work schedule and plan this around their lunch-breaks at the desk or during the evening in their own home.

The Alexandra Park Forum runs regular and special ‘community action days’. They would like some help with a list of spring tasks. There is plenty to do from painting the main gates, sprucing up the children's play equipment to weeding and general clearance. Great as a team activity.