ISOLATION among older people across the borough is set to be tackled by a new charitable partnership.

Age UK Dudley is joining forces with housing provider Housing & Care 21 to launch a new centre n Brierley Hill to provide activities for older people.

Based at retirement housing complex Myles Court, the partnership will also offer support for carers as the charity aims to reach even more people from its central borough location.

A ceremony was held this week to celebrate the move into the Housing & Care 21-owned retirement home on John Street from its former Bromley base.

Brian Phillips, senior manager at Age UK Dudley, said: “We are really excited to launch our new centre as part of this very exciting partnership.

“A great many older people in the area are affected by frailty, loneliness and isolation and nobody should be alone. We want to reach more people in the area and this move will allow us to do that.

“We offer companionship, hot meals and a varied programme of activities and entertainment throughout the week to suit everyone.

“Myles Court is an ideal location to host our activities and we hope this is the start of a long-running, successful partnership.”

The new centre is hoped to give the charity more space and better opportunities to hold daily activities, entertainment and organise outings for older people in the area.

Teresa McKenna, Housing & Care 21’s head of retirement housing for the central region, said: “We are delighted to welcome Age UK Dudley to the court and we look forward to a very successful partnership which will benefit older people in the area.

“Age UK Dudley already does fantastic work to support local people and this is very much aligned with our own philosophy.

“Schemes like Myles Court are communities for older people so this is an ideal place for Age UK Dudley to provide these services.

“We are delighted our residents will benefit from the activities as well.”

Age UK Dudley currently runs two minibuses to take people who use the centre out on trips. The organisation relies on volunteer drivers and is also appealing for help from any local people who can spare their time.

For more information about Age UK Dudley, or to volunteer as a driver, call Brian Phillips on 01384 267005.