Highly Commended - Larkhall and District Volunteer Group
Larkhall & District Volunteer Group has been highly commended by Age Scotland in recognition of more than three decades of supporting older people to remain active, connected and independent.
The organisation provides a wide range of services and activities, including lunch clubs, wellbeing calls, community transport, volunteering opportunities and social events for older people in the area.
Supported by around 100 volunteers, the group works with hundreds of members and delivers thousands of valuable interactions each year through friendly phone calls, shared meals and transport to appointments. They help older people maintain their independence and remain involved in community life.
Volunteering is also at the heart of the group's success, with many older people finding friendship, purpose and confidence through supporting others.
Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said:
"For more than 30 years, Larkhall & District Volunteer Group has been at the heart of its community, helping older people remain active, connected and independent. The scale of their impact is remarkable, but what stands out most is the care, dignity and sense of belonging they provide through every call, journey, meal and conversation. Their volunteers make an extraordinary contribution to the lives of older people, and their commitment deserves to be celebrated."
Ann Nisbet from Larkhall & District Volunteer Group, said:
"We are absolutely delighted and incredibly grateful to receive this award from Age Scotland and to have our work recognised in this way. Over the past 31 years, we have continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of our community, while always staying true to what matters most to us: reducing loneliness and isolation, improving health and wellbeing, providing accessible transport, and creating meaningful volunteering opportunities.
“One of the most rewarding things for us is hearing from our members and volunteers about the difference our organisation makes to their lives. Many tell us how much they value the support, friendships, activities and opportunities we provide, and that without them, they would really miss having that connection and purpose in their lives.
“Being able to share what we do with Age Scotland and its members is a real privilege. This award is a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do and gives us even more encouragement to keep going. Most of all, it recognises the dedication of our volunteers, the value of our members, and the difference we can make when we bring people together. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and look forward to continuing to support our community for many years to come."