Loneliness and social isolation are major contributors to poor health, particularly among elderly and vulnerable individuals who are housebound due to age or illness. These individuals often struggle to connect with their communities, leading to increased feelings of depression and a decline in physical health. The lack of access to nature, such as in gardens, further exacerbates their isolation, leaving many cut off from the outside world and unable to engage in life-enhancing activities like bird watching.
Feed the Birds is an innovative solution to combat this issue, providing a simple but effective befriending service. Volunteers visit clients once a week to fill bird feeders, which are provided for free. As well as providing supplies, the visits offer connection to the outdoors and companionship, helping to reduce loneliness.
The scheme is particularly effective for people who may be reluctant to participate in traditional befriending services, using the act of bird feeding as an entry point to engage them in social interaction.
Since its launch, Feed the Birds has trained over 100 volunteers and supported nearly 200 clients, with clients benefiting from a reduction in isolation and health costs.
The funds would help to charity to continue their work and re-hire their coordinator, who has been critical to managing their volunteer network and ensure safety and support for clients. The funds would also cover essential costs like volunteer training, background checks, and resources, including bird food and feeders.
We are delighted that we can provide much needed companionship and support to elderly and vulnerable clients living alone thanks to the generous support of John Good Group employees!
This grant will give us a real confidence boost and get us back up and running again after we had to pause our activity whilst we set up the new charity. We have a waiting list and volunteers who are trained and we want to get them started as soon as possible.
Thank you from all the Feed the Birds volunteers and clients!
Feed the Birds is a truly innovative and compassionate initiative that uses nature to combat loneliness and isolation. By connecting clients with their communities through the simple act of bird feeding, this charity not only improves mental and physical health but also fosters a sense of belonging. I’m impressed by how effectively they’ve built a network of volunteers and the charity’s potential to expand and reach even more people in need. It’s a wonderful example of how small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference in people’s lives.
Latest Project Updates
December 2024
Granted £2,500
After employees at the John Good Group voted for their favourite causes, Feed the Birds received a grant of £2,500.
December 2024
Grants for Good Finalist
Feed the Birds has become one of the top five finalists in the latest Grants for Good round, and will receive a grant between £2000 and £5000 after employees at the John Good Group have voted on their favourite causes.