Shropshire Bird Feeding Initiative Secures Lottery Funding for Expansion

A befriending initiative operating in Shropshire, which addresses loneliness through bird feeding, has been granted over £19,000 in funding to facilitate the expansion of its services. The “Feed the Birds” program involves placing bird feeders in the gardens of its clients. Participants are paired with a volunteer who conducts weekly visits to engage in conversation and observe local wildlife. This financial support, provided by the National Lottery, is designated for hiring a full-time staff member. This individual will be responsible for recruiting additional volunteers, alongside other responsibilities. Diane Monether, who assumed the new position, stated, “All of the clients that we take on… are generally house bound.” She further explained, “They might have some mobility, they might be able to get up and move around their house, but they’re not really able to get outside and into the garden any more.” The organization emphasized that interaction with nature is “essential for human happiness.” It also noted that the activity of birdwatching offers enjoyment and contributes to enhanced health and wellbeing. In addition to the lottery funding, the initiative is conducting a crowdfunding campaign intended to finance its program. Jonathan Mutch, the chair of the organization, commented, “We’re looking to take on about a dozen new clients over the winter.” He elaborated, “The winter is obviously a really tough time for lonely and isolated people.” Mutch added, “The crowdfunding will allow us to impact directly 10 or a dozen new clients and their families, their carers.” To date, over £11,000 has been collected, moving towards the £12,416 objective. The group is actively seeking additional volunteers and client referrals. Ms Monether described a typical client referral as “generally over 18, someone who is socially isolated or lonely, so not able to get outside or has mental health issues that are affecting their ability to socialise.” She further mentioned that volunteers are prepared and awaiting assignment to individuals experiencing loneliness. She stated, “I’ve got volunteers trained and ready to go in Market Drayton, Wem, Clun, Ludlow, Knockin and Pontesbury.” She encouraged, “If you know somebody who you think meets our criteria then please do get in touch.” For updates, follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.