PEOPLE who have found themselves isolated once they hit 50 are making new friends through a social project in Bradford.

Connect Club is aimed at over-50s who were used to a busy, vibrant social life in the past and perhaps would not want to go to day centre that offer activities more suited to older people.

Run by Healthy Lifestyle Solutions, it is aimed at combating conditions like depression and anxiety - which can often develop as a result of isolation.

Sharon Rushworth, a director at Healthy Lifestyle Solutions, which runs the group, said: "There are so many people who once enjoyed a good social life, who then suddenly find themselves alone and isolated for a whole variety of reasons.

"It may be that their partner has died, a couple has split up, or the children have left home. People feel cut off when they retire or, in many cases recently, because they have lost their jobs.

"There is a huge divide between the officially recognised age of 50 as an older person and someone in their late 80s – but we do not have the range of services in our communities to bridge that gap.

"Men and women in their 50s simply don't see themselves as 'older' people and they want to have fun and enjoy pursuing their interests."

Connect Club meets at Tong Conservative Club, on Tong Street, Bradford, from 5pm to 7pm on the first and third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is this Thursday.

It is open to men and women aged over 50 from the Tong, Holme Wood and Bierley areas of Bradford.

The group listen to music from the 1960s and 1970s, with snacks and nibbles on offer and a small bar for those who would rather have something a little stronger than a cup of tea.

"There is a fun, friendly, relaxed atmosphere," said Mrs Rushworth. "You can come along and just chill out, having a chat and a cuppa – or some like to have a dance to the music and a drink at the bar with the option of staying on at the club afterwards if they are enjoying each other’s company."

One Connect Club member, who lives in Tong, said: "The club has given me something to look forward to each week. I never used to go out at all in the evenings because any activities available locally were held during the day.

"At Connect Club it does actually feel like you are having a night out, even though it’s early evening – and you also get the chance to make new friends."

Anyone interested in finding out more can text Michelle Riach on 07776 994776 or phone 01274 726200. If you are interested in volunteering as a helper at the group, ring Mrs Rushworth on 07733 828083.