Plans for scheme to prevent loneliness in older people living in Plymouth

Plymouth City Council has announced plans for a project designed to prevent social isolation and loneliness in older people.

It wants to establish a social enterprise scheme to get elderly residents, who live independently in their own homes, more involved with their local communities and the design and delivery of services.

The council has applied for funding worth £6m over six years from the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Fulfilling Lives; Ageing Better’ programme to help deliver the project.

It is hoped the scheme, which will be supported by staff from a variety of council services, will give older people the power to design services that reach isolated people, as well as increase residents’ opportunities to support those at risk of becoming lonely.

Speaking about the plans, Councillor Sue McDonald, cabinet member for public health and social care, said: “I’m delighted we will be involved, supporting the setting up of this social enterprise. As people are living more independently and staying in their own homes, loneliness is potentially an issue. There is a wide choice of activities and opportunities for an active social life in the city but we have to make sure people know about them and are given the right support so they can get involved. This social enterprise means that older people who have a great deal to offer are given the opportunity to help others.”