A Barnet charity has been awarded £10,000 to combat loneliness for older people in the area.

The Morrisons Foundation awarded the funds to Community Focus, a charity who aims to help increase wellbeing via multi-arts events.

The charity launched their pilot service, Combat Loneliness, in January at the Friern Barnet Royal British Legion to provide free activities and musical entertainment to those attending, with all elderly residents welcome to join in with the veterans.

Tim Balogun, director from Community Focus, said: “The Morrison Foundation grant will enable us to address the issue of loneliness amongst our older residents.

“Funding that allows us to work directly with those who are isolated and lonely will provide a valuable opportunity for people to make positive changes in 2017 and for the years to come.

“The service will operate in Barnet and help to bring our communities closer together.”

Recent research from the University of York found that lonely people are about 30 per cent more likely to suffer a stroke or heart disease, two of the leading deaths in Britain, with the risk of early death increasing to 50 per cent according to a study in the United States, naming it a deadlier condition than obesity.

Stephanie Driscoll, community champion from the Palmers Green Morrison’s store, who awarded Community Focus with their cheque on Tuesday, said: “This grant will enable Community Focus to use its experience and expertise to directly support our older people and make a positive difference to their lives and to our community.”