LOCAL groups, councillors and organisations set up by Wiltshire Council to promote health and wellbeing have thrown their weight behind a campaign by charity Carer Support Wiltshire to beat the devastating effects of loneliness among local carers.

Health and Wellbeing groups in Corsham, Melksham and Trowbridge have all backed the charity’s Community Connections project which looks to reach out to local residents affected by loneliness and put them in touch with the local agencies and organisations that can help.

Carer Support Wiltshire works with other organisations from large charities such as Age UK and Alzheimer’s Society to small local groups to help people like Brian, who cares for his wife. Brian was unable to take a break from his caring role and was feeling isolated from his friends and unable to take part in the activities he enjoyed before his wife became ill.

Through talking to Brian, Carer Support Wiltshire discovered his love of fly fishing. They helped him to access a regular weekly break and he is now able to find time for his hobby and connect with others.

“Carer Support Wiltshire’s help came at just the right time for me and has made such a difference,” Brian said.

The charity is aiming to reach as many local people as possible by sending a postcard to all local addresses, putting up posters in community places and through a special phone answering service which will signpost anyone who is feeling lonely to local activities and groups.

One community group backing the project and helping to tackle loneliness is the West Wiltshire Model Railway Circle. Chairman, Ron Pybus, said his group held weekly meetings which attracted a friendly and welcoming crowd.

“We meet once a week and new members are always welcome. We have a number of tracks and model railways provide a brilliant hobby. Getting out and about to meetings like ours is a great way to make new friends are were really pleased to support Carer Support Wiltshire’s Community Connections appeal.”

Another group offering to help is the Melksham Gardeners’ Society.

“It’s so important to get out and about and meet new people and our monthly meetings offer an ideal opportunity for making new friends with the same interests,” said group chairman Barbara Cropp. “We’d love to give a warm and friendly welcome to any new members that come to us through this project and can promise them an interesting and enjoyable programme of meetings, talks, trips and events.”

Councillor Pat Aves said loneliness was a problem across Wiltshire which needed to be addressed.

“People become isolated for a number of reasons, sometimes in such a gradual way that you don’t notice at first that it has happened, after a bereavement or long illness. I think Community Connections will lead to some significant changes in the quality of life of people affected by loneliness.”

To find out more about Carer Support Wiltshire Community Connections project and how you can get involved get in touch by email admin@carersupportwiltshire or by calling 01380 871690.