Surrey Based Adopt A Grandparent Secures Charity Status During Loneliness Awareness Week

Surrey Based Adopt A Grandparent Secures Charity Status During Loneliness Awareness Week

Adopt A Grandparent, a pioneering initiative transforming the lives of older people through intergenerational connections, has officially been granted charity status by the Charity Commission. This landmark achievement propels the organisation’s mission to combat loneliness and enhance the wellbeing of older adults across the UK and beyond.

Adopt A Grandparent was founded in 2019 with a revolutionary approach to addressing social isolation among older people. By pairing older individuals with younger volunteers, the charity fosters regular, meaningful interactions that significantly improve the lives of both generations. The charity’s dedicated community app and web portal facilitate secure, engaging video and audio calls between volunteers and older participants, enabling them to share stories, laughter, and companionship.

To date, the programme has attracted thousands of volunteers and integrated over 50 care homes nationwide.

Shaleeza Hasham, Founder and CEO of Adopt A Grandparent, said: “This recognition from the Charity Commission is a monumental milestone for us. It validates the tireless efforts of our team and volunteers and underlines the importance of our mission. With this official registration, we are empowered to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue making a tangible difference in the lives of older individuals who face the devastating effects of loneliness. It is especially poignant to receive this recognition during Loneliness Awareness Week.”

In conjunction with gaining charity status, Adopt A Grandparent is excited to announce its partnership with Together.ly, a leading technology firm dedicated to combating loneliness through digital solutions. This collaboration will enhance the charity’s ability to monitor and personalise care effectively, thanks to Together.ly’s cutting-edge software which utilises artificial intelligence to manage safeguarding issues and improve emotional engagement across interactions.

Shaleeza added: “Integrating Together.ly’s technology into our services is a game-changer. It not only streamlines our operations but also elevates the quality of our interactions with older people. With real-time data and insights at our fingertips, we can provide more personalised, proactive support and truly make a difference in combating loneliness and isolation. This partnership embodies our dedication to using innovative solutions to foster a nurturing and connected community for our participants. We are immensely grateful for the support of Together.ly in helping us achieve our goals.”

The positive impact of Adopt A Grandparent’s initiatives is profound. Participants consistently report enhanced mental health and increased social interactions. With its newly granted charity status, Adopt A Grandparent is poised to expand its transformative programmes, reaching even more older individuals in need of companionship. The charity envisions a society where older people are not only valued and respected but actively engaged with younger generations, fostering a cohesive, supportive community.

Simon Moxon, Founder and CEO at Together.ly, said: “At Together.ly, our mission is to harness the power of technology to combat loneliness and foster meaningful connections. We are thrilled to partner with Adopt A Grandparent, an organisation that shares our vision and has already demonstrated remarkable success in bridging the generational gap. By integrating our cutting-edge software into their service, we look forward to amplifying the impact of their incredible work, ensuring that even more older individuals receive the support and companionship they deserve.”

Sarah Skuse, Trustee of Adopt A Grandparent and Partner at Bevan Brittan LLP, said: “The recent recognition of Adopt A Grandparent as a charity by the Charity Commission significantly bolsters our capability to serve our community more effectively. The partnership with Together.ly aligns perfectly with our governance objectives, incorporating advanced technology to meet our safeguarding duties and improve our service delivery. This pivotal development marks a significant objective for Adopt A Grandparent, setting us on a course for greater efficiency and impact in our mission to alleviate loneliness among older individuals.”

For more information about Adopt A Grandparent and to get involved, please visit www.adoptagrandparent.org.uk.