Volunteers who provide a vital community service for the elderly have been given a cash boost.

North West Kent Volunteer Centre, which is based in Dartford, was awarded £500 in recognition of the work it does, whether offering friendship, a transport service or even a spot of gardening.

The money was the first-ever Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford Community Grant. Bluebird Care itself offers care and support to people wanting to live in their own homes rather than in residential care.

This can involve daily visits to overnight help and live-in care.

Since the Gravesham and Dartford branch opened in 2011, it has also supported other organisations across the two boroughs.

North West Kent Volunteer Centre, in Twisleton Court, Priory Hill, received the highest number of nominations for the grant.

As well as offering support to the elderly, it also guides people wanting to volunteer by matching them to the right placements or organisations.

Chairman Lorna Kahan said: “Our befriending service is a great way of helping lonely, isolated people living in their own homes to become an active part of their community.

“The demand for this service is getting greater so the need to recruit and train new volunteers is essential to the success of the service.

“This community grant will go towards training and travel for our new volunteers. Any help with funding is gratefully received.”

The centre was praised for its “fantastic community work” by Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford care manager Gill Stoddart-Rye, who said: “Although there were a number of other very worthy charities who applied, the volunteer centre’s application received the highest number of nominations.

“Our community grant scheme is a positive way for us to support and recognise the great work of our local charities and I am delighted to be able to have a part to play in reviewing the applications we receive.”

• For further information about Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford’s homecare services or to apply for the next grant, to be awarded in July, call 01474 560160, email gravesham@bluebirdcare.co.uk or go to www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/gravesham-dartford