COUNCILLORS have stepped in with cash to help an important charity that covers East Hampshire stay in business after funding from the Big Lottery ran out.

The grants from Hampshire county councillors and East Hampshire district councillors have gone to TLC Befriending and Therapies, which is based in Bordon but, through a team of volunteers, helps people with life limiting conditions throughout the district.

A spokesman said: ‘If they are being cared for by family carers, the carer has some time out and for those who are isolated and in need of help and support, TLC volunteers give them the opportunity to have someone to talk to or even to have a small outing, perhaps to a garden centre or just a shopping trip.

‘All the volunteers have full induction and are matched with a volunteer locally to them and if possible, with similar interests.

“People volunteer for many different reasons, some wish to return something to the community, others might like to establish a friendship with someone who is isolated or in need of comradeship, but for whatever reason, the charity supports them along the way.

“TLC has been fortunate in the past with funding from The Big Lottery, but that funding expired in the Autumn of 2016 so there is now an urgent need for intensive fundraising for the work TLC does as a charity.

“Local council grants have been a key solution to help bridge the funding gap.

“Local Councillors have just reached the deadline for their distribution of funds allocated to each Councillor personally to help local projects in their constituencies.

“From their 2016/17 funds TLC has to express a big thank you to several councillors who have supported them.

“Hampshire County Councillors Floss Mitchell and Andrew Joy both sponsored two volunteers for a year, Floss sponsored one in Liphook and one in Grayshott, Andrew sponsored one in Holybourne and one in Alton.

“East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) member Angela Glass gave us expenses to support six volunteers for a year in Liphook while her fellow councillor Graham Hill supported four existing volunteers in Alton.

“EHDC councillors Mervyn Smith, Nigel Wren and Bob Ayer supported three volunteers each in Bordon, Clanfield, Horndean and Petersfield.

“Additionally, Liphook EHDC councillor Rebecca Standish, funded leaflet printing for volunteer recruitment and her Whitehill colleague Sally Pond came to the rescue and funded TLC’s compulsory re-location to new premises, shared with charity Furniture Helpline in November.

“Now that the charity’s Lottery funding has ceased, such generosity is very much appreciated in order to help TLC continue to help so many in the community.”

In Bordon alone, with the new regeneration of the town, TLC estimates there will be a 43% increase in demand for TLC’s befriending and support by 2019 so it is imperative that the charity’s funding is expanded to address the increased waiting lists, not only for Bordon but throughout East Hampshire and parts of Surrey.

For information about volunteering or the work TLC does, contact The TLC Team on 01420 477231 or [email protected] www.tlcbefriending.org.uk