And there is further funding from Investing for Health, the Public Health Agency and the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) which is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and is managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Safe and Well Project will provide information and referral to a range of social support services to people 65 years and over, who are experiencing social isolation, to help them to live at home as long as possible. The First Step Support Service, managed by Extra Care, can provide a support worker for up to 12 weeks to assist the person to join in with local groups or activities. Where the person may need a bit more time the Volunteer Befriending Service, managed by Bryson Charitable Group, can provide a volunteer to support them to become more socially connected. A key element will be the inclusion in the project of older people who are experiencing good health becoming involved as volunteers, and creating their own social connections. So please contact the Safe & Well Project if you would like to be a volunteer or if you know someone who could benefit from being more socially connected. For further information on the Safe & Well Project please contact Sandra Glover on: (028) 9756 6934 or Laura Sage on: (028) 9756 6935.]]>