Dandara is continuing its support of Isle of Man Live at Home by renewing its sponsorship of the charity’s two minibuses, which provide vital support to older members of the island’s community.

Live at Home works to improve the lives of older people by providing support and social interaction for those who want to maintain their independence, and continue living in their own home.

Its dedicated team of staff and volunteers provide a wide range of services and activities to older people, including one-to-one befriending, lunch clubs and other social activities.

The financial support from homebuilder Dandara will be used to cover the running costs of the charity’s two minibuses for the year, which are essential for transporting members to and from important visits and appointments and on assisted shopping trips.

Jo Dixon, chief executive at Live at Home, said: ’We have more than 700 members across four Live at Home Schemes on the island; Douglas, Western, Eastern and Northern, as well as our Northern Men in Sheds Scheme.

’Unfortunately, lack of access to transport is one of the main reasons so many older people become lonely and isolated, which is why our minibuses play such a crucial role in the services we offer.

’By providing transport to and from our activities and events we can ensure that the maximum number of people can benefit from our services.

’The costs of running two 14-seater minibuses are not cheap when you take fuel, insurance, maintenance and servicing into consideration, which is why we are so grateful to Dandara for its continued support.’

Dandara managing director Seamus Nugent said: ’Social isolation and loneliness is sadly an issue that affects many older people in the Isle of Man but the work that Live at Home Scheme does to combat this and enhance the lives of so many in our island community is truly commendable.

’As a local company, we do what we can to support local charities and initiatives, and our hope is that by sponsoring the costs of the minibuses, the Isle of Man Live at Home Scheme can focus its resources on what is important; enhancing the lives of older people in our community.’

Left to right, Jo Dixon and Jan Farrell from Live At Home, Angela Beresford and Joanne McGillivray from Dandara