Spreading Smiles, Reducing Loneliness: The Elder Companionship Fund in Action
Since 2020, the Elder Companionship Fund has quietly but powerfully transformed lives across Surrey, offering vital support to older people facing loneliness and isolation. With over £193,000 awarded to 28 local projects, and nearly 9,000 older people supported, this fund is helping ensure no one has to grow old alone.
Founded as a pooled fund by generous donors and most recently supported by the John Laing Charitable Trust, the Elder Companionship Fund focuses on reaching those most at risk of isolation - whether due to bereavement, poor health, or lack of access to transport and community networks.
As Dr. Beccy Bowden, CEO of CFSurrey, explains: “This is a vital fund and has a lasting and significant impact on older people experiencing loneliness in our communities.”
Across Surrey, one in five residents is aged 65 or over, and many live alone or in rural areas where help isn’t always easy to reach. The cost-of-living crisis has only made things harder, with many older adults facing tough decisions that impact their health and wellbeing.
Thanks to the generosity of fund donors, a range of creative and compassionate programmes are making a real difference:
Re-Engage brings joy through monthly tea parties and weekly phone calls. One participant shared, “A lovely afternoon out... I love to see their gardens and talk gardening again.”
These simple acts of kindness have led to 100% of participants who previously felt “always lonely” no longer feeling that way—a truly life-changing shift.
Wishing Well Music for Health offers live music in hospitals, uplifting the spirits of patients, families and staff. A nurse remarked, “Her mental health has been so poor, but with you she sat calmly singing and chatting.”
For patients like James, music has helped rekindle connection, strength, and joy during difficult times.
Farnham Assist, another supported group, helped 190 older people take part in activities in 2024 alone. With the help of 80 volunteers, they organise lunches, quizzes and outings, creating precious moments of companionship. One participant put it simply: “Farnham Assist gives me a break from being lonely and has helped me make friends.”
Each story is a testament to the power of human connection - and to the difference your support can make.
Thanks to the Elder Companionship Fund & partnership with John Laing Charitable Trust, older people across Surrey are finding friendship, joy and purpose again.
Thank you to all who have supported this journey. Your kindness is helping people feel seen, heard and cared for - at a time in life when it matters most.
