A grant of almost £200,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund is expected to help 600 older people in rural communities to reconnect with friends and neighbours after the long periods of lockdown and social distancing which were part of the pandemic. 

The grant will fund a new service called ReConnected, which will provide a range of services and activities for people aged 55+. Events will be planned around what people would like to do, with a series of drop-in sessions in neighbourhoods producing plenty of ideas.  

ReConnected activities will be led by volunteers and as well as covering the cost of venue hire and speakers, the lottery grant will help people who might find it hard to attend events in their community. A new phone line will offer valuable reassurance and practical advice for those experiencing loneliness and isolation.