A SCHEME to combat loneliness for older and vulnerable people has been launched by Newport City Council.

The project, called Community Connectors, aims to reduce social isolation by helping people feel more connected with their communities.

The council has employed three fully-trained workers who will assist people to access services and activities in their local area, help them to meet more people in their community, provide information and advice on the support available and help to build confidence and promote independence.

Older and vulnerable people can either speak to them over the phone or request a face-to-face meeting.

Cllr Paul Cockeram, cabinet member for social care and wellbeing, said: “One of my priorities as cabinet member has been to tackle the issue of social isolation that can often have a detrimental effect on the lives of older members of our communities.

“It is something I feel passionately about and last year I brought together a range or organisations and council officers to try and find solutions to the problem.

“Community Connectors is one of the ideas that sprang from those meetings and I think it is an excellent scheme.”

For more information on the service call 01633 656656, visit newport.gov.uk/communityconnectors or email community.connectors@newport.gov.uk

Details will also be available at the 50 plus Information Day in Newport Centre from 10am to 3pmon Saturday, September 27.