A thriving befriending project is celebrating three years of bringing people together.

Cockermouth Linking Lives first started in 2019. It was delighted to recently secure a three-year grant from the Hadfield Trust.

"What started as a germ of an idea back in early 2019 is now firmly established in helping people, who for whatever reason, feel lonely and isolated," said operations manager Terry Peate.

The charity expects to notch up 4,000 hours of friendships this year.

Volunteers offer an hour a week of their time to befriend someone and help build a relationship following a careful matching process.

Eventually the scheme member may be encouraged to attend different events taking place in towns and villages, to widen their network of contacts, said Terry.

Referrals come from many sources, including the Castlegate and Derwent Surgery, Social Prescribers, Life Coaches, Cumbria County Council, friends and relatives. People can also self-refer.

"Loneliness has a major impact on both physical and mental health, so good conversations and friendship can help people lead more fulfilling healthier lives and reduce the need for accessing health and social care services," said Terry.

The charity, which has over 50 volunteers, feeds into many regular activities provided by local churches and Age UK and has started two of its own.

Together@2 meets every Monday at The Ark on Highfield Road between 2-4pm for games and chat. Tea@3 meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 3pm in South Street Community Rooms for craft, refreshments and a short Christian message.

It was set up by Churches Together in the Cockermouth Area (CTiCA) with support from Linking Lives UK. It is supported by various councils and charities.

It recently received a grant of £6,000 spread over three years from The Hadfield Trust.

"This will cover around 25 per cent of our annual costs so is most significant," said Terry.

"Who would have thought in such a short space of time we would be providing over 80 volunteer hours a week to tackle loneliness in our local community.

"But that is just the start – we cannot rest until everyone who is lonely is supported."

For more details of how you can be involved, go to: www.linkinglives.uk.

Churches focus on all things eco: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/22807415.cockermouth-churches-focus-things-eco-aspire-reach-net-zero/