Newbury MP meets with charity groups to discuss loneliness in West Berkshire and Age Concern Befriending scheme

Newbury MP Laura Farris met with community groups last week to discuss loneliness in West Berkshire.

On February 16, the Conservative MP sat down with members from Eight Bells for Mental Health Newbury, Age Concern, Volunteer Centre West Berkshire and West Berkshire Council to “identify and tackle” the issue.

Mrs Farris said: “Loneliness is a national problem and affects many in West Berkshire, especially the elderly.

“I was very pleased to bring together representatives of local charities to discuss what more we can do to identify and tackle loneliness locally.”

She sat round the table with Kathryn Dundas and Andrea Barrett from Eight Bells for Mental Health Newbury and director of Volunteer Centre West Berkshire Garry Poulson.

West Berkshire Council's Sue Butterworth was also present, along with James Wilcox from Fairclose Centre.

The members, each representing their respective organisations, have come together to move forward, post pandemic, in continuing to work for the older generations in the district.

Mrs Farris said: “I would particularly like to build on the befriending scheme operated locally by Age UK, which complements some of the great work that took place within our communities during the pandemic, and will be looking at ways to see whether this can be achieved over the months ahead.”

The district will also see a new Befriend Bus take to the streets in a bid to engage the older generation with the community. This has been supported by Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, Age UK, The Good Exchange, Greenham Trust and Sovereign Housing.