A CHARITY is looking for volunteers to help older people in Dorset to use social media to prevent loneliness and isolation.

Age UK Bournemouth is running the Connecting Dorset project, with the aim of getting1,000 people online and meeting, talking and enjoying regular social contact with others.

Inspired by research undertaken by the University of Exeter, the charity has put together a programme of workshops, one-to-one sessions and DIY guides to help people access Age UK Bournemouth’s new online community.

Volunteers are now being sought to deliver the programme.

Sam Ling, project lead, said: “We are really excited to be launching this project in the coming months. Many of us are a part of a generation which, due to social media, will always be able to connect with others.

“However, for many older people a small gap in knowledge is all that stands between isolation and the opportunity to connect with others, be it online, or in person.”

Sessions will take place from August to November and full training will be provided to volunteers who are required to have basic computer literacy and the ability to log in and post on Facebook to participate.

For more information, email Sam.ling@ageukbournemouth.org.uk