POOLE has been named as one of the worst areas of the UK for loneliness and social isolation.

Now the British Red Cross has launched a new service in the town, after it was named as one of the 39 areas of the country where help is most needed.

The Poole Community Connector service is one of 49 new schemes being introduced by the Red Cross, after a joint study with Co-op revealed epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation in the UK.

Figures suggest more than nine million adults, of all ages, feel lonely often or always.

Alana Currie, from Poole, is one of the volunteers with the new Community Connector service.

The part-time carer, who suffered loneliness as a teenager, said: "I grew up in a small town in Scotland where everybody knows everybody, but still I spent four very long, lonely years during my teens completely isolated from my peers.

"My loneliness led to depression. It was a very difficult period of my life."

It was Alana's experiences in her teens that led her on her current path. "When I saw the volunteering opportunity I knew I wanted to help," said the 32-year-old.

Alana and her colleagues will provide practical and emotional support to people, to help them connect with others in their community. This will involve helping them discover and access local activities and services.

More Poole volunteers, who can give up a couple of hours a week, are needed to support the new service locally.

Alana said: "I understand that anyone, of any age and from any walk of life, can be affected by loneliness.

"For me, I came through it with the support of my family who encouraged me to get out and interact with other people and join in with activities. I owe a lot to my family and now I want to pass that support on.

"I was surprised to discover just how many people are affected by loneliness and social isolation. I’d encourage anyone to come forward and join us in tackling this hidden epidemic."

The Poole Community Connectors team will be holding two coffee mornings, and is wants anyone interested in learning more to drop in for a chat.

Canford Cliffs Village Hall, Ravine Road, Poole, will host a coffee morning on Tuesday (JULY 25), 10-11.30am. A second coffee morning is set for Broadstone Community & Arts Centre, Dunyeats Road, Broadstone, on Thursday, July 27 from 9.45-11.45am.

Visit ConnectPoole@redcross.org.uk for further details.