The Open Arms Project is funded for 12 months by The National Lottery Community Fund, working with communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, to take action against loneliness for their elderly.

We enable communities to focus on what is already strong within their locality and look for opportunities to build on these strengths by connecting local assets and people. By working in this way we  develop opportunities to connect people together to prevent loneliness.

The Team are taking preventative measures for the future through inter-generational projects, a vital way to educate our adults of tomorrow; benefiting young people’s personal development and understanding. By spending time with older people, they can gain insight into the impacts of old age and how this can lead to isolation.

Open Arms is also looking to work with small businesses,  for example a local fish and chip shop or café may have regular contact with an older person who is on their own and would like to know how they could help that person connect  with others. We will support businesses to develop their ideas for interacting with the elderly, encouraging practices that promote connection, for example Sit and Chat tables.

We are keen to hear from residents and communities who have ideas and the desire to take action but might not quite know how. Please contact Adam if you would like to know more abut OpenArms or how you can get involved.