WOKINGHAM council has introduced a new campaign that aims to reach out to older members of the community.

The Ageing Actively scheme aims to reach out to older members of the community and provide opportunities for them to meet new people, learn new skills and keep active.

Volunteers have been trained as mentors to provide support and guidance for older people and help them find activities that they are interested in.

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Councillor Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure services,said: “Life events such as retirement, moving away from family and health issues can dramatically impact some of our residents’ ability to stay connected and engaged with other people.

“Loneliness is growing, with 1.2 million chronically lonely older people in the UK and we want to help reduce its existence in our older population. We want to encourage all over 60s within the borough to reach out to us, meet new people and have fun.”

The campaign launched on Monday, July 1 where members of the volunteer service, adult social care and peer mentors spoke with residents.

Activities include music, Tai Chi, and chair-based yoga as well as short mat bowls and sporting memories sessions.