THE work of a befriending team in Bradford was the focus of a network meeting held yesterday which discussed the issues of loneliness and social isolation for older people in the district.

The special networking event was organised by Age UK Bradford & District as part of its work with the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, which was set up in the wake of the Batley and Spen MP’s murder last year.

There were presentations from both the organisers of the Age UK befriending team locally and volunteers who offer their services, as well as details of the journey their clients go on.

Stephanie Smith, head of services at the charity in Bradford, said at the event: “Increasingly we are seeing higher numbers of lonely, isolated older people across the district with the current figures showing there are about 9,000 chronically lonely older people in Bradford.

“Not only does that have a negative effect on someone’s wellbeing, but it also has implications for their physical health.”