OLDER people in villages like Liss, Denmead, and Alresford, are to be helped to become more involved in their communities thanks to a £58,000 grant.

They already have village agents, and other villages such as Froxfield, East and West Meon and Buriton are all eligible for the Hampshire County Council scheme delivered by Age Concern.

The grant from council leader councillor Roy Perry will be used to recruit and train more village agent volunteers.

Cllr Perry said: “Research shows that isolation and loneliness have a significant impact on people’s mental and physical health – increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and the chances of developing clinical dementia.

“There are a great many services available to help older people and their families remain connected in their communities, but they are often not aware of them.

“Village agents play an important role in helping people find the support they need.

“With 60 village agents already we have seen this early intervention successfully enabling older people to remain living independently for longer in their homes, but with access to the services they require.”

Agents assist vulnerable older people to find information on issues such as day care, foot care, computer training, transport for shopping and medical appointments, finding reputable tradespeople, and help around the home.

Since the scheme was established in 2012, and with this latest grant, county council funding for the scheme stands at £108,000.

Thanks to the funding, more than 60 village agents have completed more than 7,681 volunteer hours and helped more than 13,000 people.