A PROJECT that provides much-needed support to hundreds of elderly people, thought to be at risk of closure, has been saved.

Swindon Circles of Support was established in 2013 using a central government grant, but with that money due to run out in March it was feared the service would come to an end.

But now, following interventions from local councillors and the MP for South Swindon, the council has joined forces with the Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group to find a solution.

Mary Martin, the cabinet member for communities, said: “We’re pleased to say that funding has been secured for Swindon Circles to continue.

“Working with our partners, the Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group, we have found a way to ensure that the great work of the Circles volunteers will carry on being supported this year.

“It’s a good example of a start-up initiative, which has proved its worth, being incorporated into mainstream service delivery.”

The Circles project has seen volunteers, co-ordinated by the council, support more than 300 older people across Swindon since its launch.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “This is a significant local project which has been making a real difference to the lives of elderly people.

“I was extremely concerned to learn recently that the group was threatened with closure and immediately contacted Swindon Borough Council to offer my support and help with funding.

“Volunteers from the project regularly visit more than 300 elderly people in the town who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

"Loneliness can be felt by people of all ages, but as we get older, risk factors which could lead to loneliness begin to increase and converge.

“The impact of loneliness can be devastating and costly to society as well as to the individual. Initiatives like Swindon Circles of Support help to reduce the problem and ease the pressure on our NHS.

“I am very pleased that funding has been secured for Swindon Circles of Support to continue and I will be working with the group over the coming months.”

Coun Derique Montaut (Lab, Liden, Eldene and Park South) first heard about the financial plight of Swindon Circles when he received a distressed call from an elderly constituent.

He was instrumental in calling for a solution to be found.

“I’m delighted that this valuable service has been saved,” said Coun Montaut.

“It is thanks to the hard work of local councillors raising the issue through the press so that the council decided to take action.

“As a councillor in these times of austerity it can be very hard to achieve the positive change we try to do.

“When we get results like this it is a good feeling.”