AGE Friendly Melksham say they are delighted to be working with Celebrating Age Wiltshire, to run a pilot project addressing isolation and loneliness in Melksham.
Phillipa Huxtable, Age Friendly co-ordinator said, “This is the beginning of an exciting new programme of work focussing on isolated people in the Melksham Community Area. People who have lost a connection with our community will be offered regular phone calls, giving them an opportunity to create new interests or revisit topics they have previously enjoyed.
“Artists and volunteers will work together to encourage conversations around gardening, baking, flower arranging, local history, music or whatever the user chooses. Led by creative artists who are part of Celebrating Age Wiltshire, these conversations can lead to new activities and inspire people to re-engage with what is going on around them.”
Age Friendly Melksham is keen to involve people who are great listeners, encouraging, curious and enjoy the success of others. Phillipa said, “We are recruiting people now for this role that volunteers can do by phone, in their own homes. We anticipate it will be hugely rewarding and hopefully lead to the project being extended to other areas of Wiltshire.”
Being part of the Melksham Community Support service has made the team even more aware of those who are isolated and lonely, within our community. Phillipa said, “We want to make sure people have the opportunity of meaningful conversations and perhaps the encouragement to become part of a local group.”
How would you like to be the volunteer who made such a difference to someone’s life?
To find out more about this great new volunteering opportunity, please contact Phillipa Huxtable at Age Friendly Melksham on 01225 667971 or by emailing phillipa@afmelksham.org.uk
