Feed the Birds winter befriending scheme

The environment

We have been able to set up 6 new bird feeding stations in Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury, Shifnal and Broseley. By providing a regular source of good quality bird food, birds have a greater chance of survival and successful breeding. We make sure the feeders are kept clean and reduce the risk of vermin and other undesirable effects by managing the amount and type of food we put out. Many of the clients we support took part in the RSPB BIG Garden Bird Watch and recorded the birds they see. This all helps build a picture of how our garden birds are faring and feeding definitely gives them a boost and keeps them healthy and well fed.

The local economy

It's always difficult to measure the impact of befriending services, but robust evaluation that we have carried out previously shows there is a cost saving through supporting people to live less lonely and socially isolated lives. Feed the Birds is a Natural Health Service, free at the point of delivery and uses nature to connect people to their communities thereby reducing reliance on doctors and the health service which many people turn to when they are alone.

Volunteering, jobs & education

We have noticed an increase in enquiries about volunteering and have recruited more volunteers as a result of our campaign. We put on 2 training courses and trained 6 more volunteers.

Activity, health and leisure

Most of our clients are confined to their home and have difficulty exercising or getting outside in to nature. For some of them, the simple act of helping with filling and hanging up a bird feeder could be the first step in taking regular exercise. Many have become sedentary due to an illness, poor mobility, sight or hearing loss. Our volunteer visits give them confidence to get up and move around again. Our volunteers get to exercise too! Many of them walk or cycle to visit their clients.