A local charity has been rocking up across Thanet in its mission to prevent loneliness and support older members of the community.

With 2018 being Thanet Volunteer Bureau’s (TVB) 30th year of service, the team are taking the opportunity to spread the word on Thanet Community Support Partnership’s services, and have created opportunities for people of all ages to support their work and play a part in stopping loneliness.

As part of the Thanet Rock Hunting craze, pupils at Newington community primary school designed and painted 20 TVB rocks with the message #BeSomeonesRock and the Twitter handle @ThanetCommunity.

But the charity is looking for more volunteers to ensure there are at least 30 rocks in circulation.

The team cooked up sausage sizzlers at Bunnings, and volunteer families took rocks to hide in support of the #BeSomeonesRock campaign.

Even crew members from Kent Fire and Rescue service turned out to show their support.

Project coordinator Chris Scutt said: “Special thanks go out to the Bunnings staff, the fire brigade and the volunteer bakers for donation a variety of delicious cakes which helped raise more than £245 for the charity.

“We want to encourage the community to think about their older friends, neighbours and relatives.

“If you know an older person in need of support or some good company, and you are not sure how to help, please do get in touch with us or give them our number.
“Our good neighbours service has 82 matches for befriending and we would love to reach 100 this year.

“We would also love to see more volunteers making rocks to support our #BeSomeonesRock campaign, so if you would like to help us reach these goals please get in touch.

“The message we want to give out is that anyone can help prevent loneliness.”

TVB’s programme of pop-ups will continue throughout the year.

The team will be at the screening of the royal wedding by Age UK Thanet on May 19, Ellington May fayre on May 20, Windmill Gardens strawberry fair on June 1, Westwood Cross community hub on June 2, SKC fair at Ramsgate’s Royal Victoria Pavilion on June 6, Sainsbury’s for carers week on June 17 and the great get together at The Hussar, Margate, on June 22.