York public relations agency, Partners PR, has made a festive donation of £300 to Move the Masses, a local charity dedicated to combatting isolation through the power of movement and friendship.
Move Mates is a walking buddy project by Move the Masses, which pairs volunteers with people who struggle to leave their home, due to anxiety, disability, or lack of confidence, enabling them to enjoy regular walks. These walks aim to improve mental and physical health, whilst fostering companionship and community connections. The project has Yorkshire bases in York, Leeds, Selby and Pocklington.
Partners PR has a 36-year tradition of making charitable Christmas donations, and this year’s will help York’s Move Mates towards the recruitment and training of new buddy volunteers. The funding will enable the charity to expand its impact by pairing more isolated people with weekly walking companions.
Partners PR director Monica Green said: “This year we chose Move Mates as we understand how difficult this time of year can be for those who feel isolated. The work Move Mates does to help people get out and active, while providing companionship is really inspiring, and we can see how much difference this meaningful cause makes in people's lives.”
Libby Crofts, York project manager for Move Mates, added: “We currently have a waiting list for people wanting to be part of the York Move Mates programme. This generous donation from Partners PR will help us to fund the training of new volunteers,
enabling more buddies to be paired, and more isolated people can experience the life-changing benefits of regular walks and companionship.”
Move Mates’ work resonates strongly with the community, bringing joy and health benefits to those who need it most. This Christmas, Partners PR’s contribution ensures that more people in York and surrounding areas can experience the transformative power of walking and friendship.