A WILTSHIRE arts charity that helps older people to tackle loneliness and social isolation is in danger of collapse.

Arts Together only has sufficient funding to last until the February half term but then needs £20,000 to survive.

Karolyne Fudge-Malik, Arts Together’s hub manager west, said: “Despite us running for 20 successful years, we are actually on the brink of closure due to lack of funding.

“Our financial situation is extremely bad and we are working our socks off to get more funds in before the end of March.

“Currently, we have funding for another three weeks but we need about £20,000 to survive.”

The registered charity helps 72 members aged 60-98 by offering high quality art and craft activities in Bradford on Avon, Devizes, Marlborough, Melksham, Pewsey and Trowbridge, each with 12 members who pay £5 per session to take part.

Belinda Chandler, the charity’s hub manager east, said: “Many of our members stay with us right to the end of their lives. They do so knowing they have friends and are not alone.”

Pam Brigden, one of the volunteers at Melksham, said: “Our members absolutely love coming to the group and they produce some amazing things. The groups have a good atmosphere and people get to know each other.”

The charity has a waiting list of people who have been referred by local GPs, relatives, carers, neighbours and other statutory and charitable organisations.It helps members to overcome loneliness and social isolation by providing arts and craft-orientated activities in weekday sessions.Members benefit from learning new skills and through social interaction by meeting once a week.

To help, call 01380 831434, email info@artstogether.co.uk, or visit https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/9407