A new grant fund for voluntary projects to address loneliness and isolation has been made available to the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Glamorgan Voluntary Service (GVS).

The Welsh Government Connected Communities Loneliness and Social Isolation Fund allows the council and GVS to award a maximum of £2,000 to community voluntary projects that bring people together and build social connections.

Both the Vale of Glamorgan Council and GVS are working with Age Connects to set up an accessible hub at Illtud House in Llantwit Major which will act as a point of contact for isolated older people.

Cllr Ben Gray, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for Social Care and Health, said: "Feelings of loneliness and isolation are a huge problem in our society, particularly among older people, and a problem that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic when many were cut off from family and friends."

Rachel Connor, chief executive of Glamorgan Voluntary Service, added: "GVS is pleased to be at the heart of the community in the Western Vale of Glamorgan working in partnership with Age Connects to address loneliness and isolation.

"The new hub for older people in Illtud House will expand the services already on offer and the small grants scheme that we are administering will help small local grass roots organisations who are working diligently to relieve loneliness and isolation."

Illtud House will also receive an upgrade to make sure it is accessible to the community and age-friendly.

Organisations can apply for funding up until 12:00 on February 18.

Click here to find out more about the fund.