Since 1905 Friends of the Elderly has been supporting older people in need due to physical or mental frailty, isolation or poverty. In 2015 Friends of the Elderly piloted the innovative project Football Friends, aimed at combating isolation through digital learning and a shared interest in sport. Working with the West Ham United Foundation and Barclays Digital Eagles, the charity combined learning to use a tablet with social activities including a tour of the football club and a walking football session. A donation of £2000 was given towards funding the 2016 programme of Football Friends. Yvonne Martin, Corporate and Trust Fundraising Manager, wrote: ‘Football Friends has been a huge success. It’s been quite an emotional programme, with people realising how much coming along has benefitted them and the difference it’s made.’
