A NEW initiative is helping to prevent loneliness and isolation in Keighley district and other parts of Yorkshire.

The Looking Out for our Neighbours campaign encourages people to do simple things to look out for one another to help improve the wellbeing of other residents.

More than 200 organisations have pledged their support for the campaign, ranging from community groups and sports clubs to hospitals, councils, the police and fire service.

Organisations backing the scheme include Keighley Big Local, Keighley and Bradford-based group The Cellar Trust, and Incommunities housing association.

The campaign was launched on March 15 by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership.

Brendan Brown, chief executive at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said: “Loneliness can affect anyone, anywhere, and we’re particularly aware of the impact of rural isolation and loneliness on people’s health and wellbeing.

“Our community services can, for some people, often be the only contact they have for a period of days. “Equally, we know that our increasingly digital world can also create isolation.

“Bringing people together not only tackles loneliness but also builds stronger communities which, in turn, have a positive impact on health. This campaign is an important one and I’m delighted to support it.”

Looking Out for our Neighbours aims to inspire people to reach out to those who live alone or might need help, and encourage them to do things that will make a real difference to their wellbeing.

This could be anything from picking up some shopping, to saying “hello” or even something as simple as giving a wave next time they see their neighbours.

According to research from The Health Foundation, social isolation can increase the risk of having a stroke by a third, and older people who live alone are 50 per cent more likely to visit A&E than those who live with others.

The campaign will run across Keighley district as well as the rest of West Yorkshire and Harrogate.

Thirty thousand households will receive a ‘neighbour pack’ that will include different resources to inspire residents to champion togetherness in their area and look out for those in need.

For those who don’t receive a hand-delivered pack, all resources are available to download from the campaign website, ourneighbours.org.uk