AN initiative to help bring people together and connect them with their communities has been launched by Carer Support Wiltshire and Wiltshire Council.

The Make a Friend, Be a Friend project focuses on linking older people experiencing loneliness or isolation with local groups and clubs, based on their interests, needs and abilities.

Postcards providing information about the service have been sent to homes in Melksham this month with a further rollout planned for Corsham and Trowbridge over the next couple of months.

Judy Walker, chief executive of Carer Support Wiltshire, hopes the project will help to tackle the isolation many older people feel.

She said: “Our local communities are full of social activities, from coffee mornings to clubs and classes and we are really keen to help people enjoy them and connect with others. Over 50 local groups have already signed up, with a wide mix of social meet-ups, hobby classes, and support groups, all committing to create a warm welcome for new attendees referred on by the project. If successful, we hope to see the project expand throughout Wiltshire.”

Rhys Schell at Wiltshire Council said: “Social isolation and loneliness is a key local issue for us and we have looked at a number of projects to address it. However, the real challenge of this growing issue is identifying and contacting those who would most benefit from the service or activities available. The Make a Friend, Be a Friend project offers an exciting and innovative approach to tackling social isolation, through partnership working and we look forward to seeing the results.”

If you live in Melksham, Corsham or Trowbridge and you would like to get out and make new friends, Make a Friend, Be a Friend would love to hear from you. If you are finding it hard to get out and about, or are caring for someone, they can help with that too.

Another great way to meet people is by getting involved in a local group or club by volunteering. The project can match you with a group or charity to help get you started.

Call the friendly Make a Friend, Be a Friend team on 01380 908080 from Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm or email community@carersupportwiltshire.co.uk to find out what’s available and for a friendly introduction to the group you most like sound of.

If you are a group in Melksham, Corsham or Trowbridge who wants to get involved with the project, Carer Support Wiltshire would love to hear from you. Call them on 01380 908080.