Caverswall arts hub helps to tackle loneliness

An arts and craft hub has been set up to help combat loneliness among elderly people in Staffordshire.

The Caverswall Creative Hub offers an arts group and hosts a meal for older members every Tuesday, in space provided at the Auctioneers Arms Pub.

It also offers arts and crafts and writing classes for children and teenagers.

Former teacher Rachel Hulme set up the group this year, with the aim of bringing more local residents together.

"That's my biggest hope that it just brings people together and makes them feel better," she said.

"Because being lonely, being on your own and being in your head a little bit, isn't great."

Older members who attend the sessions have described them as the highlight of the week.

"It's lonely if you're just in by yourself and some days you don't mind, but other days you do," said Pammy Aurgument.

"And you meet lovely people."

Viv Poole, who is retired, said the group had helped her to "get out of the house".

"It's company as well, because I meet with the ladies and we have a good chat," she explained.

Pam Aladene said she had been at home since her husband died, almost two and a half years ago.

"It's got me into a group of people again," she said.

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