Metro Bank plc

12/16/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/16/2021 07:13

Metro Bankers Join Befriending Scheme to Support Ashford’s Elderly

16th December 2021

The UK's community bank, Metro Bank, gives every colleague a Day to Amaze - essentially a paid day off to support a local charity or good cause. Metro Bank colleagues from the Ashford store spent their Day to Amaze making friends with the elderly through Volunteer for Ashford's befriending scheme - a service for adults over 50+ years who are isolated and lonely in the borough of Ashford.

Volunteer for Ashford is a charity offering various services to encourage people in the area to volunteer so they can enhance the lives of others and build resilient communities. The charity has created a 'Sunshine Club' inviting individuals to socialise with people who feel lonely and nervous about leaving their homes after shielding for long periods of time due to Covid-19.

"As a community bank, it is very rewarding to be part of this scheme," explains Bethany Inkpin, Metro Bank's Ashford store manager. "It was beautiful to see the room light up as people interacted with each other. We've all been affected by the pandemic and it's rewarding to see that something as simple as a chat can make such a big difference to someone's day. We are going to visit our friends on a fortnightly basis and we're already looking forward to meeting up again."

"It is easy to underestimate the importance of human interaction until you have no one to talk to. We had such a beautiful time talking with the Sunshine Club members and we're happy to do more of this."

On Saturday December 11th and Sunday 12th the Ashford store will be hosting a complimentary craft event instore where children can create their own snow globes.

Metro Bank's Ashford store is located at 95 High St, Ashford TN24 8SA. The store is currently open Monday - Saturday 08:30am - 6pm. Sunday: 11am - 5pm.

Opening times for the 2021/2021 festive period will be:

  • Fri 24 Dec 8.30am - 5pm (Christmas Eve)
  • Sat 25 Dec Closed (Christmas Day)
  • Sun 26 Dec Closed (Boxing Day)
  • Mon 27 Dec 11am - 5pm (Bank Holiday)
  • Tues 28 Dec 11am - 5pm (Bank Holiday)
  • Weds 29 Dec 8.30am-6pm (BAU hours)
  • Thurs 30 Dec 8.30am-6pm (BAU hours)
  • Fri 31 Dec 8.30am-5pm (New Year's Eve)
  • Sat 1 Jan Closed (New Year's Day)
  • Sun 2 Jan 11am-5pm (BAU hours)
  • Mon 3 Jan 11am-5pm (Bank Holiday)