A PIONEERING £10 million project to reduce social isolation is set to benefit people over the age of 50 in three areas of Bolton.

The five-year Ambition for Ageing project, led by the Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation (GMCVO), aims to bring together communities, businesses and public services to better understand what older people need and want.

The wards of Crompton, Halliwell and Tonge with The Haulgh are among the 24 across the region earmarked to receive a slice of the funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

The main objective will be to create places that are age friendly and to empower people to live fulfilling lives as they age, reducing social isolation.

Alex Whinnom, a spokesman for GMCVO, said: “We believe that the ageing population of Greater Manchester is an opportunity, and we are excited to be part of a programme where the people affected are able to directly influence and design their own solutions.”

A competition is now underway to find organisations to become ‘local delivery leads’ who will work with older people and communities in the neighbourhood.

It is expected that the scheme will result in more than 2,000 new funded projects designed to generate new connections and social activities, making it easier for older people to feel more confident and involved in their communities.

Deputy leader of Bolton Council Cllr Linda Thomas said: “This is great news for GMCVO as the money they have been awarded will filter down to local communities and directly benefit people in Bolton.

“As part of the process Bolton Council will have a representative on the panel involved in appointing a local delivery lead which will support older people to design small projects that aim to make their communities more age friendly and invest in new initiatives aimed at supporting those over the age of 50.

"They will be specifically looking for innovative and inclusive ideas to help reduce social isolation as people get older.

“In Bolton, we are advocates of preventative services to help reduce and manage demand as our population ages and I shall look forward to seeing how this funding can be delivered to help give our communities a voice in how they wish to remain independent, active, stay healthy and feel valued.”

For more information visit www.gmcvo.org.uk/ambition-ageing