A SLOUGH charity has received a generous grant to continue delivering its service in the town.

Age Concern Slough and Berkshire East has been awarded a grant of £78,168 by the Big Lottery Fund’s largest funding programme, Reaching Communities.

With an increasing number of elderly people in Slough experiencing loneliness and health issues, the new finance will be used for social, physical and mental activities, as well as freshly prepared hot meals.

Kevin Griffiths, Acting Chief Executive of Age Concern Slough and Berkshire East, said: “We are delighted with the generosity from the Big Lottery Fund.

“This funding will allow us to continue to provide venues for services to local older people.

“Centres such as Cippenham and Langley provide a lifeline to many older people and help prevent loneliness and promote healthier lifestyles.

“Without this support, it would be highly unlikely that this valuable work would be able to continue.”

James Harcourt, Big Lottery Fund deputy director of responsive programmes, said: “It’s thanks to National Lottery players we’re celebrating this huge milestone. Great organisations across the country like Age Concern Slough and Berkshire East make such a difference to our communities. With their support, people are given the opportunity to overcome barriers, learn new skills and improve their lives for the future.”

The Big Lottery Fund has now awarded more than £1.5 billion through Reaching Communities to support groups across England to improve their communities.

Since its launch in 2006, Reaching Communities has supported 5,380 projects across England through National Lottery funding.