A CARE home in Salisbury has launched a drive to fight loneliness and isolation among older people.

Salisbury Manor Care Home was the first to launch the Tackling Loneliness campaign being run at Gracewell Healthcare homes in partnership with the University of the Third Age (U3A), inviting the community in to take part in a range of activities joined by Mayor Penny Brown.

A spokesman for Gracewell said: “By making people aware of what is on offer, ensuring everyone feels welcome to attend and providing support with transport and facilities we believe that we can make a difference to many people’s lives.”

The launch was open to everyone and the room was packed with the general public and members of Sarum U3A coming along and joining in with board and car games.

Cllr Brown said: “It’s been fantastic to see Salisbury Manor integrating themselves within the community with such a great event.

“We’re very aware of the older population and how important their care is so it is such a pleasure to visit Salisbury Manor and to launch this campaign.”