Aviva Community Fund has provided £486 of match funding
In Jolly Good Company
Gaunts, England, United Kingdom
Aim
To help our vital dementia friendly gardening groups, our work with schools and our Jolly Strolls to flourish, and grow in other areas
Hi I am Sarah
I am the founder and director of 'In Jolly Good Company'. I work with a fantastic and dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Together we help prevent loneliness and isolation. for older people living in Dorset. We do this by providing fun indoor and outdoor activities including, music, art, walking gardening and crafts. We also have a 'Jolly Postal Service', which provides comfort and connection for those who cannot leave home and are not necessarily online.
“I found getting my first Jolly Post very uplifting.”
Heather
This is one of our specially designed postcards that we have been sending out to let people know that they are not forgotten. Each card and letter is handwritten and here you can see Jan and Lily, who are part of our amazing Jolly Pen Pal Team.
We don't just write letters - our 'Step Outside' dementia friendly gardening groups and our 'Jolly Strolls' are helping people to stay active and engaged as they age. But, people of all ages are welcome to join us to help provide friendship, joy and a sense of community to older people living in Dorset.
Any money raised will help us to grow our groups, opening new gardening groups in Shaftesbury and Blandford. Plus a new Jolly Day in Wimborne. We can then train and recruit more staff, to enable us to reach more people who would otherwise be isolated and lonely.
“ I like coming here, we have a lot of laughs and it is like being with family”.
Andy who lives with dementia - talking about ‘Step Outside’ at Kingston Lacy and our Jolly Strolls.
What people are saying about us
“After a very stressful morning at the Doctor’s and pharmacy. It is great to think that we are getting in the car and coming to this group. Where I can relax!”
A lady who cares for her husband who is living with dementia, Shaftesbury Jolly Days
“I have noticed a change in her since she has been coming to the Jolly Days. Her spirits have lifted and she feels valued”.
Rosemarie, talking about a valued friend, Wimborne St Giles Jolly Days
"In Jolly Good Company offer 'gold standard' person centred care" - Age UK Manager.
OUR PATRON - NICHOLAS ASHLEY-COOPER, 12TH EARL OF SHAFTESBURY
“Dealing with the pandemic in 2020 has been tough. We have all felt the effects of loneliness and isolation as our freedoms have been curtailed through the lockdown and ongoing restrictions. Separation from close family and friends has a big influence on our mental well being. Many have also suffered losing their jobs or significant changes to their work life. During these times, it’s important that we come together to support one another, particularly those who are most vulnerable and in need. In Jolly Good Company provides that support and is an absolutely vital resource bringing people together. Now more than ever this organisation’s work is needed and I encourage you to get involved and do what you can to support.”
This project successfully funded on 16th December 2020