Feed the Birds

Social isolation and loneliness can severely impact wellbeing, especially for older or housebound individuals. Cut off from social connection and the natural world, many experience declining health and mental wellbeing. Feed the Birds offers a simple but powerful response — volunteers visit each week to top up bird feeders and offer a friendly chat, reconnecting people with both nature and companionship.

Film released: June 2025

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Feed the Birds is a unique project tackling loneliness in a gentle and imaginative way. At its heart is a weekly visit – a volunteer comes to refill a bird feeder, but the real impact lies in the companionship, conversation, and renewed connection to the outside world it brings. Clients, often elderly or housebound due to illness, gain both a reason to look out the window and someone who cares enough to stop by.

What makes this initiative particularly special is how it reaches people who may not engage with traditional befriending services. By focusing on bird feeding, the visits feel informal and meaningful, sparking joy, curiosity, and routine in a natural way. The charity provides all necessary equipment and support, including training for its growing volunteer team, and has already supported nearly 200 people.

After a short pause to restructure and register as a new charity, Feed the Birds is now ready to grow. With a waiting list of eager participants and trained volunteers, they’re focused on expanding their reach and ensuring long-term sustainability.

To support these goals, the Matthew Good Foundation has funded a short film to help Feed the Birds raise awareness, attract new funding, and inspire more volunteers to get involved.