A SCHEME which helps Monmouthshire residents overcome social isolation and loneliness has had to make cutbacks.

The community connections befriending scheme, which was rolled out across the county at the start of the year with £585,000 from the Big Lottery Fund, does not have enough volunteers to meet demand.

That means some residents of Monmouthshire, aged over 50, have had to join a waiting list in the hope more helpers will come forward.

Co-ordinator of the service, Heather Whittam, said a trip shopping or a chat over a cup of tea can make all the difference.

However, she said her team of 20 volunteers are at full stretch and this has left the areas of Rogiet, Undy and Caldicot with no cover in the last month.

“We have so many stories of people who have benefited, 73 people are using the scheme,” Mrs Whittam said.

“Some of the volunteers visit the hairdresser, go shopping, play bowls, or just enjoy a cup of tea with residents.

“But now we need more people to carry on this rewarding work.”

One of the scheme’s oldest residents is 97-year-old Caroline Cropley, ofMagor.

Each week she indulges in her passion for drawing with her volunteer.

“Mumcan’t get out too much now so having someone come to her is a godsend,” daughter Dina Kennedy, 68, said. “She looks forward to every visit. I think the scheme is a marvellous idea.”

The scheme is funded for the next five years and it is hoped a new group of volunteers in Caldicot and an older person’s youth club in Chepstowcan be set up.

Locals also have the chance to attend regular social sessions in the Palmer Centre, Chepstow, and the Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the scheme should call Mrs Whittam on 01291 630524.