Friendship Centres on the move

29/05/2008

In just the first few months of operation, over 80 groups from all over the country have aligned themselves to the new Federation of Friendship Centres – between them representing over 8,000 older people.

 

More are joining almost daily. And in their first AGM, held in Coventry in April, Chairman Don Steele opened the door to other groups around the country looking to work in co-operation with bodies and organisations representing the over 50s.

 

“What started as an attempt to bring together groups in London suddenly found itself inundated by requests from groups throughout the country. We are now an ‘independent organisation of independent organisations’, together promoting the interests of older people,” 

says Don, “able to work and co-operate - and stronger because of it.”

 

Groups now joining include former ARP/050 Friendship Centre and Special Interest Groups which were originally linked to ARP/050, as well as groups which previously had no link with any other national organisation but who share the ethos of the Federation.

 

 

Already the Federation has set up a successful website, a bi-monthly magazine and launched a scheme to provide low cost Public Liability, Cash in Transit and related insurances. “Our membership per group is just £10 at the moment,” says Don, “and member groups can save up to £200 a year on insurance policies that we have negotiated at special rates.

 

“The Federation is owned by its members,” adds Don, “and is 

controlling its own destiny. Getting this far this quickly has been  

a quite exceptional achievement, and we’d be delighted to welcome more clubs and groups on board.

 

“Many of our groups are social, others are campaigning – but we do believe that by working together we can achieve far more for our member groups than they can on their own. That’s our ethos – and if this sounds like yours, we’d love to hear from you.”

 

The Federation, as the Coventry gathering demonstrated, is a spirited group of people keen to work together and build on common bonds of friendship and purpose.

 

If you would like to know more about the Federation, go to the website below, call Bob Hendley the Secretary direct on 0208 931 2828 or email him at bob.hendley@ntlworld.com.