AN INITIATIVE has been set up to help a growing number of vulnerable and isolated old people in York.

A new Christian project, dubbed York Neighbours, has been launched by One Voice York, the umbrella organisation for many York churches.

Volunteers offer one-off help with practical tasks, make regular phone calls and provide tailored trips for individuals or groups unable to get out on their own.

Organisers say the scheme already has 26 volunteers, with five more being recruited, and 49 older people have been referred so far. Prayers and blessing can also be offered to people.

Twenty pensioners are receiving a regular phone call and a total of167 practical tasks or trips out has been completed so far, said a spokesman.

"Social services value this service particularly because they are able to refer people in urgent need of support on discharge from hospital, or when a spouse/carer is suddenly taken ill and they are awaiting a care package," he said.

He revealed that City of York Council chief executive Kersten England had asked One Voice last year to consider how the churches across York might be able to help with the growing problem of vulnerable and isolated older people in the city.

York Neighbours had been launched as a result, with the aim of supporting people aged 65-plus who lived in York.

"York Neighbours has a memorandum of understanding with Age UK York, so there is no conflict with their service, and they provide support to York Neighbours in a number of ways."

*Anyone wanting to volunteer to be a York Neighbour of find out more about the scheme should email wendy.smart@belfrey.org or graham.hutchinson@onevoiceyork.org.uk, or call 01904 624190.