A PROJECT to support isolated people is to be launched in Southampton this year.

The British Red Cross, in partnership with the Co-op, will launch a project on May 1 to support isolated and lonely people in town, after a study pointed Southampton as one of the city that needs extra support.

Around 400 people in town are suffering from loneliness, according to a study published last month.

The figure brought the British Red Cross and the Co-op to plan a project that aims to provide direct and personalised support.

Specialists in psychosocial support and a team of volunteer will provide up to 12 weeks of intensive and person-centred care. The team will work with each person identifying activities, services and groups in Southampton and will help them gain confidence and independence other than offering emotional support.

Kate Drake, Red Cross independent living operations manager in the South East, said: “Southampton has been chosen as one of the locations for our new Co-op-funded community connector service as it’s an area we’ve identified as having gaps in support. This is a crisis we cannot ignore, but if we come together it’s also a problem we can try to solve.”

The Red Cross already provides support at home services to people living in the New Forest and it is now looking for more volunteers to support the new project in Southampton.

The research showed that many moments in life can trig to isolation and loneliness. Life transitions such as becoming a new mum at a young age, experiencing long-term health issues, dealing with bereavement or going through a family breakdown, such as divorce or separation can make people to be alone.

“We need to focus on these moments and work together to help those suffering from loneliness and social isolation, by responding quickly and helping people to recover once they’ve hit crisis point”, Ms Drake said.

Richard Pennycook, chief executive of the Co-op, said: “This rich insight clearly shows that there is a role for businesses, individuals and community groups to play in preventing and responding to loneliness.

"Having identified the trigger groups we can act much earlier to prevent loneliness potentially becoming a chronic issue for many. It is clear that a lack of support for community groups can leave those experiencing loneliness with limited options to re-establish social connections.”

Those who would like to volunteer can visit redcross.org.uk.