A PROJECT to reduce social isolation cases among the elderly population has helped more than 100 people aged 50 and above in the last quarter.

Run by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) on behalf of the Central Area Council - which covers Central, Kingstone, Stairfoot, Worsbrough and Dodworth wards - it is designed to help older people by helping them to access social activities in their communities.

The £100,000-per-year initiative, which began in July 2017, will remain in place until June next year after councillors gave the nod for it to continue on Monday.

The area council’s manager, Carol Brady, said: “A comprehensive monitoring report for the contract was submitted by RVS on January 11, relating to the last quarter which includes October to December of last year.

“A total of 134 people aged over 50 have been engaged by RVS in the quarter, including 33 males and 101 females, with 70 of those being over the age of 71.”

Twenty-four new referrals came through the social prescribing service, My Best Life, which is a partnership between South Yorkshire Housing Association and Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and supports residents.

Every GP in Barnsley is now involved with the scheme, which will run until 2020 before another assessment is carried out to assess how much it’s required in the town.

Ms Brady added: “Referrals for people aged between 50 and 60 are rising and it is anticipated that the number for this age range will continue to increase.

“Reducing loneliness and isolation in adults and older people was agreed as a priority for the Central Area Council, with an acknowledgement that this continues to be on ongoing priority.”

RVS, based at Priory Campus, has implemented a ‘good neighbour’ service in villages, which sees Samaritans offer help to ageing people who need assistance, with 13 new recruits joining during the quarter.

Members received praise from councillors, who heard about them arranging social outings over Christmas - pinpointed as a particular concern for lonely residents - providing transport solutions and helping arrange personal care and to mediate in family disputes.

It has also dealt with issues such as medical appointments, financial problems and utility bills.

A spokesperson from the RVS said: “Our aim is to help older people with simple and preventative support so that they can live independently at home, but in a way that keeps them physically and mentally well, feeling valued and involved in society.

“No two ‘good neighbour’ services are identical but the intention is broadly similar in every case.

“Namely, they offer the practical help that can make all the difference to older people - whether it’s assisted shopping, accompanying to appointments or posting their letters.

“It’s a way of helping people stay independent while providing friendly social contact and making sure they’re safe and well.

“Good neighbours help counter social isolation and the service can act as a pre-emptive step to keep those who are vulnerable out of hospital.”