A CHARITY which tries to tackle loneliness in the over 50s to improve people's health is looking towards Tupsley and Aylestone in Hereford.

Onside, a charity supporting vulnerable adults across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said loneliness can be as damaging to health as smoking or obesity.

It is working with Herefordshire Council on the Community Connections Project, which will help older people, who live alone and have few social contacts, to live well and enjoy life by getting out in their local community.

The project is calling upon local people to help identify isolated people who could benefit from support.

The Aylestone and Tupsley areas have been selected as in Hereford City they have the highest proportion of older people at 22 percent each and the highest proportion of one person households aged 65 and over at 17.3 percent and 15.5 percent respectively.

Onside is also interested in hearing from anyone who can spare a couple of hours a week to support the project.

Volunteers will help provide information about social activities, arts and community groups and support and encourage people to take part. Training and support will be provided.

To find out more about Onside`s Community Connections project, call Clare Howden or Caroline Screen on 0844 248 9248 (local rate).