THE community foundation funded by Swindon Town Football Club is tackling loneliness with the help of sponsorship from Catalent.

STFC's charitable arm launched the Tackling Loneliness Together initiative in summer along with 72 other English Football League clubs.

It now has backing from a development and manufacturing partner to the biopharmaceutical industry which has a branch in Swindon.

So far, more than 600 people aged 60 and above have been contacted over the phone and through socially-distanced doorstep visits to provide a bit of friendship and social contact during the months of lockdowns and shielding.

The pandemic has left many elderly people unable to connect with friends and loved ones in the same way they used to, but the new sponsorship from Catalent will help the foundation continue helping them through this crisis for the rest of 2021 and beyond.

It offers them the chance to arrange weekly meet-ups at Foundation Park where lonely people can meet socially, talk about football, take part in activities, hear presentations and Q&A sessions from special guests, as well as take part in light exercise.

This weekly session will allow the participants to make new friendships, share experiences and feel part of a new special group, with the aim of improving the participants’ mental and physical health.

Head of the foundation Jon Holloway said: "We’re incredibly grateful to Catalent for reaching out to the foundation with this offer of partnership.

"The Tackling Loneliness Together project has been of utmost importance to the foundation throughout the pandemic, supporting the older generations in Swindon and Wiltshire. It’s fitting that we are able to continue this programme thanks to Catalent, who are already doing a great service to these people in their efforts producing the Covid-19 vaccines.

“We’re looking forward to being able to welcome our first Tackling Loneliness Together participants to Foundation Park as soon as restrictions allow.”

HR director for Catalent Swindon James Hamilton said:“Catalent is proud to be partnering with the STFC Community Foundation on such a hugely important and impactful initiative.

"We understand the importance of good mental health and well-being, particularly during difficult times. The foundation does fantastic and valuable work, and we are honoured to be able to support and partner where possible."