North Halifax Partnership and Threeways have joined together to launch an exciting new project in North Halifax that will link lonely and isolated older people with groups and activities in the area.

It has been estimated that 4 million people will be lonely this Christmas. We know that loneliness and social isolation can have serious health impacts and lacking social connections is said to be as damaging to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

But there’s also lots of evidence that shows that friendships and taking part in social activity keeps people healthier for longer and reduces the risk of developing certain diseases.

Staying Well Ageing Better is a project that recognises that that the people living and working in our local communities are the best placed to know what is already available, where any gaps are, and the most qualifies to say where we should be focusing services in the future.

A steering group made up of local people and organisations will oversee the project in North Halifax, and will be able to commission new services and activities from a local commissioning pot starting at £50,000 – this could mean money for your group!

If you are involved in a group or organisation providing a service or activity in North Halifax, or if just want to find out more about the project, please join us at Threeways Centre on Thursday 15 January to see how you can get involved. Everyone welcome!

We think that together we can make a real difference for older people in North Halifax.

In the meantime, if you would like to talk to someone about some of the activities going on in your local area and how you can get involved, or you think you know someone who might benefit from the project, please ring Helen Enevoldson, the Staying Well Worker for North Halifax on 01422 255402 or email helen.enevoldson@calderdale.gov.uk