A campaign has been launched to keep alive social activity groups for lonely older people.

The groups and other initiatives are run by Ashfield Voluntary Action (AVA) and its Ashfield Live Well Hub, based at Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre, Kirkby.

A spokesman said: “Sadly, this year our budgets have been severely cut and we are facing having to close our groups.

“This will have a massive impact on older people in Ashfield. We can’t abandon the people who attend our groups!

“Loneliness kills. People are dying because they have no one to talk to. Isolation is wrong and unnecessary.

“As a charity working in the heart of Ashfield for a number of years, we want to continue supporting our community to help our more vulnerable members to have a better life.

“Without the support we give many people will be left alone, depressed and at risk.

“Help us to protect this much-needed area of our work by showing your support to the vulnerable people of Ashfield.”

AVA has started a £5,000 appeal to retain these services.

To make a donation go to www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/ashfieldlivewellhub or go to www.ashfieldvoluntaryaction.org.uk for more information.

AVA has designed a new programme to tackle loneliness in older people, based on three actions:

A range of social activity clubs for people able to get out of their homes.
A befriending programme for people who cannot get out of their homes.
Internet access training to help older people learn how to use digital technology safely to improve their lives.

A pilot group set up by AVA for older people who were isolated has shown that social activity reduces isolation and breaks down barriers. One of the groups currently enjoys weekly meetings for a variety of activities and trips out.