Funding available to help tackle loneliness and isolation

Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership (AAP) is inviting local groups and organisations to apply for its Older Persons Social Isolation Funding (OPSIF) which supports activities to tackle social isolation in the area.

With a minimum of £5,000 available for each organisation, including those which have received this funding in the past, eligible groups can submit project proposals outlining how they will be tackling social isolation in Chester-le-Street and surrounding area.

Older Persons Social Isolation Funding

The OPSIF has been allocated by us to each of its AAPs to support community-led initiatives that benefit socially isolated older people, by encouraging participation in activities and projects within their communities.

Through this funding, Chester-le-Street and District AAP aims to:

• Identify those who are, or who are at risk of, becoming isolated or lonely.
• Give appropriate support to improve social connections in communities, working across partnerships to protect those most at risk of isolation and loneliness.
• Create an environment where people can connect with their neighbours, communities, and people with the same interests.

Help people feel valued and included

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "Taking action to reduce social isolation and loneliness in communities not only improves the health and wellbeing of residents, but also helps reduce the impact on and cost for health and care services.

"Through the OPSIF funding, we want to ensure that schemes and activities are being delivered within our AAP areas to help identify those who are lonely, or at risk of becoming so, and support them so they feel included, valued, and part of the community."