Funding from a County Durham-based housing association has helped bring people together for support and friendship.
The Friendly Faces project, run by the West Rainton and Leamside Village Partnership, helps 50 to 60 people each month by providing a welcoming space for residents to make new friends.
Volunteers from the Partnership identify local people at risk of social isolation and invite them to its monthly lunch club, at Jubilee Hall Community Centre.
Along with a chance to connect over a meal and hot and cold drinks, they are offered support with issues including cost of living concerns.
“We have been running a free meal project since Covid times,” said Chris Burns, Treasurer for West Rainton and Leamside Village Partnership.
“We continued post Covid as we knew there was a demand for this service, as individuals often living alone really appreciate the chance to get out and meet friends and spend some time in a safe, warm environment.”
Transport can be arranged for anyone who needs it, and home meal deliveries are provided for people unable to attend such as those in poor health.
A £1,000 community grant from believe housing funded the Friendly Faces project, ensuring its continuation for the first six months of this year. The grant covered food, venue hire, and transport expenses.
Kimberly Batey, a Community Investment Coordinator for believe housing, said: “Social isolation is an issue that is rife throughout our communities.
“That’s why, when we saw the Friendly Faces project, we knew that we had to fund this important work.
“Thanks to the hard work of all the volunteers, people throughout the West Rainton community have had
