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Nando's offer to Medway residents to help Belive charity tackle social isolation

06:00, 17 October 2019

You could win two free Nando’s meals by helping a mum stop social isolation experienced by people with learning difficulties.

Theresa Hammond needs volunteers for her new befriending charity called Belive which helps people with middle to major learning difficulties in Medway.

Theresa Hammond needs volunteers to help with her charity Belive
Theresa Hammond needs volunteers to help with her charity Belive

Mrs Hammond, who works as a counsellor, said: “My daughter lives in Strood and went through a really tough time which made her very isolated and depressed.

“I looked everywhere but I could not find a befriending service in Medway to help her.

“It made me so upset, even to this day, so I decided I’d set up my own charity.”

Spurred on by motherly love, Mrs Hammond secured funding from the Kent Community Foundation and has started looking for volunteers.

She said: “People will need a lot of time, but it will be extremely beneficial.

The charity is offering the winner a free Nando's dinner. Stock picture
The charity is offering the winner a free Nando's dinner. Stock picture

“I’m planning to match my clients and volunteers by age, interests and gender. I want them to be able to create meaningful friendships.”

The 62-year-old hopes volunteers will be on hand for everything from phone calls, to shopping trips.

Mrs Hammond, who lives in Headcorn, also wants people to send in logo designs for Belive.

She said: “It can be anything, as long as it embodies the values of Belive and is something that depicts forming friendships.”

The chosen artist will win two free Nando’s combo meals, at the Chatham Maritime branch.

To be a volunteer you must be over 18, DBS checked and live in Medway.

To apply or enter the competition email belivemedway@outlook.com. Entries must be received by November 4.

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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