Frome charity, Active and in Touch, prepares to close

LOCAL charity Active and in Touch, which has been a lifeline for lonely and isolated people in Frome, will no longer be operational as of 31st March. Trustees at the charity, which has been running for 13 years, say that a lack of new volunteers, combined with a lack of funding, has forced the charity to close.  

The charity says its befriending visits and group meetings will be taken over by another local charity, Dogs for Health. Negotiations are also ongoing to ensure the continuation of the café, based at Frome Medical Practice, and the community drivers’ service. 

Established in 2011, from small beginnings, the charity increased in size over the years, taking under its wing Frome Community Drivers and more recently, the Active and In Touch Café based at Frome Medical Practice.  During the pandemic it played a leading role, with inventive ways of continuing support for those in need, always aware of the government restrictions placed upon meetings between people both in the home and outside.  For this, it was recognised by HM Queen Elizabeth II with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, the equivalent of the MBE.  

A spokesperson for the charity says, “Since the pandemic, and despite strenuous efforts to reverse the situation, it has been impossible to recruit sufficient volunteers, staff and trustees to ensure the continuation of the level of support required for the continually increasing number of members needing help.  This is also in the context of potential funding streams which could have been accessed previously having decreased, meaning sustainable funding is no longer available.  

“Having recognised all of these factors, the trustees have reluctantly accepted that Active and In Touch must close as a charity. We would like to thank everyone who has given support over the years, the staff and trustees, those who have given time volunteering in many different ways by visiting members, driving, via fund raising events, making donations and sponsorship. Your contributions have been hugely appreciated. 

“However, the very good news is that the befriending visits and group meeting elements, which have been carried out since 2011, are to be taken over by another local charity, namely Dogs for Health.  

“It is hoped that current Active and In Touch volunteers will wish to continue their befriending visits under the auspices of Dogs for Health. To assist in this process, representatives from Dogs for Health and Active and In Touch will be based at the Active and In Touch office on Christchurch Street West at the following times: 4th and 8th March 2pm – 3pm; 11th and 12th March 9am – 10.30am; 18th March 11.30am – 12.30pm; 20th and 22nd March 10am – 11am; 25th and 27th March 1.30pm – 2.30pm.  

“Negotiations are also ongoing with other local organisations to ensure the continuation of the café, based at Frome Medical Practice, and the community drivers’ service.  Initial discussions are giving great cause for optimism and there will be further announcements in due course.”