Poker Stars is sponsoring the award for Providing Excellent Customer Service at this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence.

Poker Stars is well known for the extensive support it provides for the local community and charities.

One of the organisations it benefits is Southern Befrienders, a charity that strives to alleviate loneliness.

Southern Befrienders is currently reaching out to the local community and inviting people to small, informal groups to find out more about befriending support, weekly social activities and volunteering in the south.

The four groups will be hosted by staff, members and volunteers, and held in Castletown, Ballasalla, Port St Mary and Port Erin to provide an introduction to the benefits of the service.

Val Haslam, scheme manager of Southern Befrienders, said: ’People can still feel lonely after lockdown is lifted, especially if everyone else appears to be reunited with loved ones.

’Our message is - don’t be alone. We understand it can be difficult to ask for help, but we encourage people to take the first step. We’re keeping the groups small, so that it is less daunting for people to join us. It’s a good opportunity to chat with our friendly team and enjoy a cuppa and cake.’

Southern Befrienders, based in Port Erin, provides regular, one-to-one befrienders to older people who feel alone, isolated or vulnerable. The charity also organises weekly social activities, outings and even a group for the chaps to get together for a pint and a toastie.

During both Covid lockdowns, the charity extended support to anyone who needed it in the local community, regardless of age, but the Southern Befrienders team, with more than 130 volunteers, is committed to providing much-needed companionship to older people all year round.

People of all ages who spend time alone may consider volunteering for the charity, whether they are older men and women who want to stay active, or a parent on their own with a pre-school child.

Val said: ’There’s no need to book for these four groups - just turn up. There’s no obligation to sign up on the spot. Chat with our members and volunteers about their own experiences of Southern Befrienders.

’Whether you seek support for a friend, neighbour, relative or for yourself, you can take away the information and contact us when you’re ready. We’ve been providing support to older people for over 15 years and we plan to be around for many more. We are here for you when you need us.’

Dates and locations of the groups: Port St Mary Golf Pavilion on March 11, 10 am to 12 noon; Coffee Craft, Market Square, Castletown on March 18, 10am to 12 noon; The Whitestone Pub (conservatory), Ballasalla on March 18, 2pm - 4 pm, and Station Hotel in Port Erin on March 25, 2pm to 4 pm.

For more information phone Team SB on 833025 or email [email protected]

This year’s awards night is on Thursday, April 15, at the Villa Marina in Douglas.