Social Dining Clubs Funding available to local groups.

The project started in 2016 with the aim of increasing the number of opportunities for older people to come together for a meal and company and is supported by the Asda Foundation. The project will build on all the at Royal Voluntary Service to support older people who are lonely and isolated and seeks to establish 56 new social dining clubs across the UK. Clubs can meet any time of the day, any day of the week and in any location; so they can offer breakfasts, brunches, lunches, tea or dinner from Monday to Sunday in venues such as church and community halls or commercial venues. They are local to both older people and volunteers and might offer other activities besides the meal which keep people talking and building friendships.

Funding can be used to help us reach more people, either increasing the number of current number of people you currently support or setting up a new activity on an additional day. So long as it involves food, the Social Dining Clubs funding can support

· Start-up costs
· extra rental charges,
· recruitment and training of volunteers,
· transport charges
· activities costs
· equipment

The guidelines give further details of the aims of the grant and what you need to do to apply. The project can work with you to make sure the new venture is safe and legal and involves older people in the planning and on-going development.

You may be thinking that your club doesn’t currently offer a meal but if you know that some members struggle with cooking or food come and talk to us about how to create new food options.

If you want to know more about the Social Dining Clubs Project please get in touch with the project manager for social dining clubs on 07500 993 038 or 

Email diningclubs@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

https://www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/fundraise/charitable-trusts-and-foundations/supporters/the-asda-foundation

https://www.asdafoundation.org/what-we-fund/local-impact-funding