MORE than a third of those aged over 75 spend 12 hours a day alone with as many as 40 per cent of those claiming that TV is their main companion.

But now churches and faith-based organisations across the conurbation are working hard to tackle the latest Age UK statistics in a bid to defeat loneliness among the elderly.

To launch the Hope in the Community event for Bournemouth and Poole, 99 red balloons were released by the event's guests of honour, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth, councillor Eddie and Mrs Janet Coope.

The project has been formed by partner churches and charities including Faithworks Wessex and Prama to create a network of groups and activities catering for older people.

Winton Salvation Army hosted the event. Cllr Coope said: "Churches are becoming not just churches but centres for the community."

Quoting a line from the Shawshank Redemption, Archdeacon Peter Rouch, added: “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”

Steve Robinson, chief executive of Prama, told dignitaries and supporters: ‘With the challenges and ever increasing need to care for older people it has been wonderful to see churches put aside historic and denominational differences and commit to working together to benefit the communities of Bournemouth and Poole.

"Our vision is to help 1,000 older people in this area, facing the issues of loneliness in later life, rediscover the joys of being part of their community and maintain their independence."

Keith Berry, from the Church Urban Fund, was asked to give the keynote speech.

“Churches are uniquely placed to carry out the types of activities that have been proven to be most effective in reducing isolation," he said.

"With their local presence and their existing community life, they are able to welcome people of all ages and stages of life into the new friendships and activity groups that help to reduce loneliness and isolation. They can also offer people opportunities to give as well as receive. By allowing people to take ownership of those groups, to volunteer and to give of themselves to others, churches can help to build people’s wellbeing, self-esteem and sense of purpose.”