A NORTH Berwick-based project tackling loneliness and social isolation is hoping to secure charitable status.

North Berwick Coastal Community Connections (NBCCC), launched in June last year, is overseen by project officer Carol Stobie.

The project engages with vulnerable people, reducing the impact of loneliness and isolation on mental and physical health through social contact and kindness.

While the Covid-19 pandemic proved to be a challenge for those at Community Connections, the group is now aiming to secure charitable status and has also elected a new management team.

Lisa McClure was elected the project’s chair and Robert Burgon vice-chair.

Lisa said: “I feel very privileged to be elected as chair of this wonderful project, supporting the most vulnerable within our community.

“Carol Stobie has given us the best roots to build from and, with the kindness that has already been shown from local people, I know we can build on this to help make our community a truly inclusive place for all to live.”

Robert said: “I was aware of the Community Connections’ Scone cafe but only when I became a telephone befriender at the start of lockdown did I begin to understand the great work this project was doing within the community.

“As vice-chair, I plan to lead on the work to take NBCCC to charitable status.”

Coronavirus meant that the project’s original approach, of connecting people through social events, was forced to change.

Carol continued to provide one-to-one support and welcomed new referrals from the local resilience group and GPs at North Berwick Health Centre.

The project provided emotional support from qualified professionals and started a telephone befriending service delivered by volunteers.

Those who are feeling or know someone who is feeling lonely or isolated are asked to contact Carol on 07940 203380 or nbc-communityconnections@outlook.com