The Porthmadog Centre welcomes the Ffrindia’ partnership, where they will be hosting their annual event to celebrate the hard work put in by their volunteers over the past year.

Ffrindia’ is a partnership between Mantell Gwynedd, Age Cymru Gwynedd and the Môn and Carers Outreach Service. The project, which is worth nearly a £1 million is financed through the Advantage Fund, The Big Lottery Fund for a period of five years. The aim of the project is to support volunteers to befriend individuals over 50 who are lonely, isolated or on the fringes of society.

Once again this year the Ffrindia’ Fair is being held today (3^rd July) at The Ganolfan, Porthmadog. It provides an opportunity for volunteers and individuals to have a chat and learn what assistance is available from the agencies and organisations who support older people in Gwynedd.

Members of the Fire and Rescue Service will also be in attendance, engaging with members of the public who may be considered to be in a vulnerable age group, giving advice on ways in which we can help, and offering free Home Safety Checks.

Carys Williams, Ffrindia’ Project Manager said, “This project which was set up with the aim of helping people over the age of 50, by recruiting volunteers who can help in any way they can, but simply by being a friend so an elderly person who may feel lonely, isolated or at risk of being socially excluded.

“We have such a fantastic group of supporters and volunteers, and we feel it’s only fair to celebrate these fantastic people, and the efforts they put in out of their own kindness.

“Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding venture for both the volunteers, and the people receiving care, and we receive so much positive feedback from both parties.

“What’s so refreshing to see too is the help of other organisations and agencies such as local authorities and public service organisations. That’s what this day is all about really, is us showing our appreciation to everyone for all of their hard work over the year, and for them to see just how much they are appreciated.”

Celfyn Evans, Partnership Manager for the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said, “We always enjoy events such as this, as not only does it give us a chance to engage with the public, but importantly too, it gives us a chance to engage with a very vulnerable group of individuals who may otherwise be overlooked.

“The work that Ffrindia’ does to help vulnerable people over 50 years old is fantastic, and particularly the work the volunteers do, and we wanted to attend the event to congratulate them on their hard work.

“It will also be a great time for us to engage with this particularly vulnerable group and make our presence known, the ensure they understand we are there to support them and keep them safe in their own home, and that there are a number of things we can do to ensure that.”

If you are interested in volunteering  or may be a person who would benefit from having a befriender contact Ffrindia, at Mantell Gwynedd offices Caernarfon, telephone 01286 672626 or email ffrindia@mantellgwynedd.com