A ground-breaking programme aimed at tackling loneliness is set to be launched by AFC Fylde Community Foundation.

The programme is specifically aimed at assisting vulnerable over-65’s when they begin the process of reintegration into the community.

The charitable arm of AFC Fylde Football Club will be working closely with the National League Trust, local business Kepak Convenience Foods and Fylde Borough Council to deliver a multi-strand partnership approach. The support from these organisations will enable the Foundation to run the programme for an initial 12-month period, addressing the issue head-on in the community.

The partnership funding will see the Foundation employing specific workers who will empower socially-isolated and lonely people to take control of their health and wellbeing. The workers will connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support in addition to supporting existing groups to be accessible and sustainable.

The project will also develop and deliver different activities and work alongside local people to start new community groups, working collaboratively with all local partners in pursuit of the same goal.

The Foundation understand the importance all members of the local community can play in the delivery of this programme. They are encouraging any organisation or individual who can play a supportive role to contact the Foundation on 07739 796101 or community@afcfylde.co.uk to discuss working together to help tackle social isolation and loneliness on the Fylde Coast.

Foundation Director Wes Partington is proud the organisation can start to deliver such a forward-thinking new programme.

He said: “During the past 12 months we have all experienced challenging times. I think now more than ever the delivery of this programme is crucial. Although there are some great initiatives already being delivered there is still a lot of work to be done to support vulnerable people living in our community that are suffering from loneliness. Working with local organisations we aim to tackle this head-on and help those most in need to integrate back into community life once again.

“I’m confident that our partnership approach will enable us to achieve positive results and I’d like to thank all of those organisations that have stepped in to help and fund this potentially life-changing programme.”

For more information and news stories please visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk or keep up to date via the Community Foundation’s Twitter page – @afcfct.