Feed the Birds

Feed the Birds operates across areas of Shropshire, in various towns and villages.  It offers a nature-based befriending service that aims to alleviate loneliness and isolation of older people, including those with dementia.  The charity provides clients with bird feeders, food, and a trained volunteer who visits with them once a week to their home, to develop a befriending relationship and to fill and maintain the feeders.  Around 50 clients are currently supported, each benefitting from a friendly visit and conversation with their befriender. Most clients are referred from local health and social care professionals, mental health teams or via the charity’s visits to community groups and day centres.

In October 2024 the Foundation agreed funding of £5,933 to Feed the Birds. The request was for a contribution towards the part-time coordinator role. Outcomes over the coming year are that the charity will be able to increase the number of clients and volunteers to meet demand; that support will be expanded within and beyond Shopshire into other areas of need; and that the coordinator will continue employment, potentially moving to a full-time basis.