A new community-led project is being launched in Trafford to help tackle loneliness among older residents – by creating more opportunities to get involved in volunteering across the borough.
The scheme, run by Trafford Community Collective with Trafford’s Community Hubs, is being highlighted as part of Loneliness Awareness Week. It’s all about helping people stay connected and part of their community as they get older.
Trafford is home to more than 40,000 people aged sixty-five and over. While many lead active, fulfilling lives, local insight shows that some people can feel isolated or have less social contact - especially after big life changes like retirement, bereavement, or reduced mobility.
Loneliness can have a real impact on health, and is linked to issues such as depression, heart disease and dementia.
Local data shows that some older residents in Trafford often feel lonely. But there’s good news too - people who volunteer tend to feel less isolated, have better mental health and gain a stronger sense of purpose. And there are plenty of opportunities to get involved locally.
Trafford’s Community Hubs in Stretford, Old Trafford, Urmston, Sale West and Altrincham, offer face-to-face support to help residents find volunteer roles that fit around their interests and availability.
Volunteer coordinator Kaf Bays, who is leading the programme, said:
“Volunteering can be life changing. It’s about making connections, building confidence and helping people feel part of something again. We want to make it easy for older people in Trafford to find something that suits them.”
As part of the project, informal information sessions are being held so people can find out more. The first one took place in Urmston last week, with organisations including Home-Start and Intergen attending - both keen to welcome older volunteers.
Georgia Heywood, Family Coordinator at Home-Start Trafford, Salford & Wigan, a charity supporting families with young children, said:
“We really value volunteers aged sixty-five and over for their life experience, emotional maturity and the perspective they bring. If they have time and want to make a difference, they can have a huge impact.”
Intergen Trafford, which supports volunteers over fifty to work with local schools, added:
“Our volunteers are reliable and often stay with us for many years. Many simply want to give back, and in doing so they build strong connections with younger people.”
The next session will take place on Tuesday, 14 July, at Limelight, Old Trafford, from 11:30am to 1:30pm. A further date is currently being planned but is not yet confirmed.
These sessions are a chance to meet volunteer coordinators, chat to participating organisations and find out what roles are available.
Many people who volunteer say it boosts their confidence and helps them build stronger social connections.
Ursula, 68, from Flixton, started volunteering after retiring from a career in the travel industry. She now volunteers with children’s charity Little Green Sock Project, after previously helping with Trafford Community Transport.
She said: “I would absolutely recommend volunteering to anyone. It’s flexible and sociable, and a great way to meet people. It’s given me companionship and helped me feel part of the community.”
Councillor Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Loneliness can have a real impact on people’s health and quality of life, especially as we get older. This project is about helping people connect and feel valued in their communities. Volunteering is a simple way to support this, and we are pleased to be backing this work across Trafford.
“It also supports our wider ambition to help residents stay well, independent and connected for longer.”
Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to come along to the July session or contact their local community hub to find out more. You can also contact Kaf on 07518 902991 or by emailing volunteer@traffordcollective.org.uk .