Inverness charity that supports elderly and disabled adults celebrates 20th anniversary with £200K funding boost
An Inverness charity has marked its 20th anniversary with a move to new headquarters and a future secured by £200,000 of NHS Highland Funding.
Partnerships for Wellbeing (PFW) is best known for its volunteer-led community transport service in the city and for its weekly group health walks that take place at more than fifteen locations across the Highlands.
The three-year funding deal from NHS Highland will allow it to expand its services to elderly and disabled adults across the Highlands.
That makes up almost 25 per cent of the charity’s costs and allows managers to look to the future with confidence in the very year it marks its 20th year as a local charity.
Boss, Jeff Zycinski, who joined PFW after a 12-year stint running BBC Radio Scotland, says building the profile of the charity has been important in efforts to attract more funding.
He said: “Partnerships for Wellbeing was founded in 2004 but when I took up the reins here people kept telling me it was one of the best-kept secrets in Inverness.
“We’ve done a lot of work in spreading the word about our services and that has attracted additional funding.
“Grants from bodies such as The Highland Council and Highland Cross have allowed us to expand our transport service from two cars to five and to offer a much-needed service for wheelchair users.
“With money from Paths for All we have developed our Highland Health Walks project and created the award-winning annual festival of walking and wheeling.
“We also have Friendship groups and outings. We’re all about helping people live a long life well.”
PFW recently relocated from its attic office in Wells Street to accessible premises on the Cradlehall Business Park.
The location allows for better parking for its fleet of community transport vehicles and the open space around the office has proved ideal for walk leader training.
The charity currently has around 150 volunteers, including drivers, passenger asistants, walk leaders and trustees.
However, there is also room for more.
Mr Zycinski said: “We really appreciate our volunteers and try to ensure each one feels valued. We offer training and support and anyone who can spare just a few hours a week would be welcomed.”
To contact the charity call 01463 729997 or email admin@p4w.org.uk
