North WalesFreemasons

The British Red Cross has launched a pilot scheme in #NorthWales to help people build independence and better links with their communities and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions. The move comes thanks to a £84,460 grant from North Wales Freemasons.

The ‘Pathways to Better Health’ service aims to help over-50s in #Conwy and #Denbighshire who have been identified as needing extra support due to a pattern of frequent hospital attendance or calls to the emergency services.

The project will help people who call 999 or go to emergency departments (ED) more than 12 times a year, many of whom are among the most vulnerable members of our communities with few alternative sources of help. They may have multiple, complex needs including loneliness, social isolation or drug and alcohol dependency issues.

The grant from North Wales Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Stanislava Sofrenic, Independent Living Operations Manager for Red Cross Wales said: “We are thrilled to have launched this scheme in North Wales.

Assistant Headteacher, Kathy Jones said, “this donation allows those children who are otherwise unable, to share in the enjoyment of a swing alongside their able-bodied friends. We are very grateful for the support and generosity of North Wales Freemasons.”

I’d like to thank North Wales Freemasons for their generous donation, which has enabled us to set up this invaluable scheme. Our smaller pilot project in Swansea demonstrated that early intervention with people who use NHS and emergency services frequently has a significant impact both on improving their lives and reducing pressures on NHS and emergency services’ resources.

We are looking forward to working with our partner organisations over the next 12 months and helping people across Conwy and Denbighshire.”

R.W. ProvGM John Charles Hoult said: “We’re very pleased to be able to support the fantastic work being done by the British Red Cross in North Wales.This will have a huge impact on the users of the emergency services and will make a big difference to improving their lives.”

Ken Skates, AM for Clwyd South, said: “This donation is incredibly generous and very important for the British Red Cross, who do excellent work and are an invaluable asset for the country.”