A NEW Southampton computer club has been set up to combat loneliness and connect communities.

The free service, which operates out of Portwood Library threw open its doors to the residents on June 6.

The Computer Club is the idea of Alison Pearce, a Community Connector for the Connecting Communities service run by the British Red Cross.

It aims to support lonely and socially isolated people across the city to create new friendships and build self-confidence.

Alison said: “Although this is a pilot event it was really well received and we hope to make it a regular occurrence everyone in the community can benefit from.”

Connecting Communities offers up to 12-weeks of one-to-one support services, with Community Connectors helping to identify local activities and groups of interest and then provide support.

The charity delivers the service in over 30 communities in the UK including Southampton.

Jeremy Dolan, 64, from Southampton began receiving support from the Red Cross after his GP referred him to the service.

He said: “My wife, Christine, died 18 months ago. After that, I really went downhill. I just couldn’t be bothered to do anything. Then, within a couple of months of my wife dying, I also lost my mother. It really took it all out of me. It has been a very tough 18 months.

“I was told I’m borderline diabetic so I need to get out and do more exercise. Alison has been brilliant, she’s got me out doing things again. I’ve joined a walking group, which is improving my health and I also go along to some coffee mornings so I can meet new people. When Alison told me about this computer club I thought that would be great.”

Since its launch in July 2016, the Connecting Communities service in Southampton has supported people across the city who were affected by loneliness and social isolation. The service is available to any local adults who are experiencing or at risk of loneliness due to a life-changing event, such a becoming a new parent, going through divorce or separation, experiencing bereavement, or facing health and mobility issues.

For more information visit www.redcross.org.uk/lonely