A community arts centre is launching weekly meetings with music and food to help fight loneliness in Barnet.

Millions of people across the UK have admitted to being lonely, with more than half of elderly people living alone.

Community Focus, a Barnet-based arts centre, is collaborating with Friern Barnet Royal British Legion to put on two meetings each week for people to meet and help stop loneliness.

Starting on Monday (January 16), the sessions will include music, refreshments and bingo as well as an optional lunch.

They will take place every Monday afternoon from 2.30pm, with £6 lunch preceding at 1pm, and every Thursday morning from 10.30am with the lunch taking place afterwards at 1pm.

Organiser Kate Salinger said: “We are hoping to reach out to all kinds of people who might be lonely, especially the elderly and veterans who may be hit hardest.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to come along and enjoy some music and company and hopefully make some new friends.

“There is plenty for everyone to enjoy.”

The first session is next Monday at 2.30pm in the Royal British Legion, 1 St John’s Building, Friern Barnet Road, N11 3DP.