The scheme called Together We Are Better is using an innovative technique to match up older people with similar interests in an effort to reduce loneliness.
So far 150 people have signed up to the scheme in the hope of making new friends in the Mansfield and Ashfield area.
Registered participants will be asked to do a questionnaire created by world renowned psychologist, Dr Meredith Belbin, to determine their compatibility with others who have signed up.
Jigsaw Support Scheme is the Mansfield health and social care charity providing the free service to older people in the area who may be in search of a new friendship.
Chief officer of Jigsaw, Alison Clarke, said the feedback they have received already has been very positive.
She said: “We were very pleased to be approached by a psychologist of Dr Belbin’s calibre and to be involved with delivering this service.
“One of the ladies who has chosen to participate in the scheme, but was unsure of what her family might think, was delighted when her daughter told her to go for it.”
Sense of loneliness
Around 1,500 invitations have been sent out from GP practices and the local social care team to people who may be interested in taking part and even more are being encouraged to join in.
The service, which is being funded by Nottinghamshire County Council and Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group, is available to single people or those living alone who are 65 years old or older.
Councillor Joyce Bosnjak, chair of the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “It’s inevitable as people grow older, their social contacts and circle of friends will reduce and for some, this can lead to a sense of loneliness.
“It’s well known that mutual companionship can enhance wellbeing and we hope the Together We Are Better service will enable people to become friends with someone who they have a lot in common with.”
Video: Ann Crockett-McLean tells Frances Finn what makes this friendship scheme different.
