ORGANISATIONS in Malvern tackling loneliness and isolation have been awarded grants by a major power company.

Western Power Distribution (WPD) has handed out grants to Age UK Worcester and Malvern and Malvern Cube Projects.

These organisations have been given money as part of WPD's Community Matters Fund.

Age UK has been given £8,249 while Cube Projects has been given £500 towards running a dedicated support and social group for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder - who are experiencing high levels of loneliness due to their condition and the pandemic, and its restrictions on socialising.

The money for Age UK will be used to put on outreach activities and use its "Coffee Bus" to see vulnerable and isolated people.

Lynne Mole, head of services from Age UK said: “The lack of transport is a significant factor in increasing loneliness or social isolation in older people and so the CAMBUS project will help older people to re-engage with others and with their local communities.

"It will enable them to build relationships with others and forge everlasting friendships.

"It will allow them to experience things which have a significant impact in reducing social isolation – eating with others, sharing experiences with others or simply being able to leave their homes.”

A spokesperson from Malvern Cube Projects said: “Thank you so much from the team at Malvern Cube Projects.

"We are delighted to have won this grant, which will enable us to offer a dedicated support and social group for young people with ASD who may currently be experiencing loneliness in Malvern.”

WPD’s Resources & External Affairs Director, Alison Sleightholm, said: “The pandemic, with its lockdowns and social distancing measures, has inevitably led to feelings of loneliness and isolation for some groups and people in Worcester.

“We’re pleased to be able to help tackle this growing issue by supporting charities who provide crucial interventions and help build better mental health – coinciding with Mental Health Awareness week, which this year is all about combatting loneliness. It’s great to see the first charities and organisations receive their grants. They are providing crucial care and that will make a real impact on local lives.”