A BEFRIENDING service designed to act as a ‘prescription for loneliness’ is to be set up on a trial basis in Gwent.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is working with other agencies on a service that will focus mainly on older people and veterans, but which will aim to support as many of the area’s lonely people as possible.

The service is proposed in light of research which has shown that loneliness is associated with poor mental health and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and dementia.

It also has a much wider public health impact, being identified as a factor in depression, suicide, and increased health service use.

People who have experienced loneliness or social isolation are being invited to attend an engagement day on the issue, so they are able to voice their ideas on the issue.

Called Time to Talk: Compassionate Communities, the event is scheduled for May 27 and anyone wishing to attend or who knows someone who may benefit from attending may e-mail karen.munro@wales.nhs.uk

l Further information is available by visiting: wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/866/news/41246