A CHARITY that provides services for elderly and vulnerable people on Portland is celebrating a financial boost.

Island Community Action (ICA) has secured a monthly sponsorship package from Bluebird Care on Portland that will cover its core running costs.

ICA, based in The Easton Centre, has delivered a diverse range of quality projects and services to support Portland’s older residents since its formation in 1999.

It is also the island’s official volunteering bureau, providing advice, support and opportunities for people of all ages. Impressed by both the quality and breadth of projects ICA services include community transport, DIY, gardening and befriending services, a memory café, social and lunch clubs and bingo.

Weymouth and West Dorset provider of care at home services Bluebird Care has pledged to sponsor the charity on a monthly basis to cover its core running costs.

This will help to achieve a more stable foundation and ensure that other funds can be channelled directly into the services provided.

Bluebird Care director for Weymouth and West Dorset, Chris Scriven, said he was impressed by the ‘invaluable contribution made by ICA’s services to the lives of Portland’s older residents’.

He said: “At Bluebird Care we recognise that the quality care at home service we provide forms part of a wider network of services aimed at improving opportunities for older people and assisting them in maintaining their independence.

“That is why we are always keen to support local charities that offer these much-needed services.

“Portland is a fairly isolated location but the excellent work of ICA ensures that older residents do not miss out when it comes to service provision.”

He added: “We have attended a number of events organised by ICA where it was obvious that those in attendance enjoyed themselves and gained real benefit from the occasion. “We are therefore delighted to contribute a regular sum that will assist ICA in the continuation of this good work.”