Residents do their bit to tackle rural isolation 

Kindhearted residents have done their bit to support a charity that helps people in the county who face social isolation.

Here at Newstone House, we organised a charity day, raffle and pancake race to help the Friends of Stour Connect, a day centre in the town.

Residents at the home wanted to ‘give something back to the community’ as users of the centre’s dementia café and hydrotherapy pool.

A cheque presentation for £220 was held at Stour Connect on a dedicated afternoon for Newstone House visitors.

Karlene Horswill, our Companionship Team Leader, said: “We wanted to raise so much more, but due to the constraints of Covid regulations last year we were restricted in what we could do. We are however proud of what we managed to raise and we aim for so much more over the coming months.”

Friends of Stour Connect is dedicated to improving facilities and access at the day centre which is in Stour View Close in Sturminster Newton.

The charity aims to target rural and social isolation affecting the elderly, the physically disabled and those with learning difficulties.

Café volunteer Katie Guy told the visitors: “It’s so wonderful what you have done. This money means so much to our cause and we appreciate every penny given to us.”

Newstone House residents have nominated Friends of Stour Connect as their main charity to support for the past two years. In that time, they have raised nearly £500 to help with its work.

Newstone House resident Don Skilling said: “This is such a worthy cause and it is lovely to have the opportunity to give something back to the community.”