A world-renowned psychologist has chosen Mansfield and Ashfield to launch a new friendship scheme designed especially for older people. Dr Meredith Belbin has devised a new approach thatidentifies compatibility amongst people so they can form successful friendships.

The free service, called Together We Are Better, will be provided by Jigsaw Support Scheme, a health and social care charity based in Mansfield. The cost of the service will be funded jointly by Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group and Nottinghamshire County Council.

It is well known that mutual companionship can enhance well-being and it is hoped the Together We Are Better service will enable people to become friends with someone who they have a lot in common with and benefit from this. It is inevitable as people grow older, their social contacts and circle of friends will reduce. For some, this can lead to a sense of loneliness.

Diane Davies, from Jigsaw, said: ”We were very pleased to be approached by a psychologist of Dr Belbin’s calibre and to be involved with delivering this service. I think it’s a testament to the valuable work Jigsaw has been doing over the last 14 years to end the kind of loneliness which contributes to such poor outcomes.”

Coun Muriel Weisz, chairman of the county council’s Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said: “This sounds like a fascinating scheme and we are keen to support any project that helps to reduce loneliness and improve people’s wellbeing.”

The free service is available to people within the Mansfield and Ashfield area who are 65 years or older and are most likely single, or living alone. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in finding out more about Together We Are Better, please phone Jigsaw on 01623 662200 or visit www.togetherwearebetter.co.uk