A NEW partnership is helping tackle the issue of isolation in older people.

Vale of Glamorgan Council has partnered with Glamorgan Voluntary Service (GVS) and Age Connects to help tackle the issues of loneliness and isolation, with a grant addressing these issues along with the hub opening in Llantwit Major.

Administered by the council and GVS, the Welsh Government Connected Communities Loneliness and Social Isolation Fund is aimed at community voluntary projects that bring people together and help them build social connections.

Organisations have up until midday on Friday, February 18, to apply for a maximum of £2,000.

In addition, Age Connects will relocate to establish a local community hub based at Illtud House in Llantwit Major, where some GVS services are already based.

Chief executive officer of Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, Jeff Hawkins, said: “We have all worked hard, in partnership, to deliver the best services we could during a challenging and unprecedented period.

“We are delighted we can build on this work to create opportunities so that older people can feel valued, supported so they can live fulfilled lives.”

The hub is designed to help older people in the Western Vale feel happier, healthier, and less lonely by connecting them with their community, support services and social activities.

Illtud House will be upgraded to ensure it is age friendly and accessible for the community. Service users will be able to access information about social and leisure activities and the support to participate in them.

Chief executive of Glamorgan Voluntary Service, Rachel Connor, said: “GVS is pleased to be at the heart of the community in the Western Vale of Glamorgan working in partnership with Age Connects to address loneliness and isolation.

“The new hub for older people in Illtud House will expand the services already on offer and the small grants scheme that we are administering will help small local grass roots organisations who are working diligently to relieve loneliness and isolation.”