TRAFFORD's South Locality Partnership has successfully secured £20,000 of funding to help combat social isolation among the elderly in the South of the borough.

The funding is being provided under government Our Place Programme and enables borough based partner organisations and bodies to work on the project.

The partnership brings together public, private and voluntary organisations across the seven wards in the greater Altrincham area.

The chairman of the South Locality Partnership, Cllr Karen Barclay, said “I am delighted that we have been able to secure such a significant sum from the Our Place programme."

The project will identify individuals who are suffering from, or at risk of, social isolation. It will also develop and enhance locally responsive services and establish a directory of services through which volunteers and professionals can make referrals.

Cllr Barclay added: "Isolation in older people is a huge concern - not only can it lead to loneliness but we know that it can have a significant impact on health. The funding gives us a real chance to make a difference in this area."

This specific project will be led by the Trafford Council, together with blueSCI, Age Concern Trafford, Cyril Flint Volunteers, Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group and Thrive Trafford.

It will focus on Village ward, the eastern side of Timperley, and the Village Ward Vision Partnership, will help to deliver the project.

The project will also promote a series of activities which raise awareness of isolation in the community. In the future it is hoped to roll the project out across the borough.

Anyone who would like to know more about the project or to get involved, should contact Partnerships and Communities at Trafford Council on 0161 912 1173 or email partnershipsteam@trafford.gov.uk.