Girlguides launch badge to tackle loneliness in old people

Girlguides in Manchester have launched a UK first with a new badge to tackle loneliness in old people.

Youngsters have been visiting homes for the elderly and sheltered housing centres to speak to senior citizens to earn the new badge.

It is hoped the initiative will be adopted by other guides across the country.

The pilot badge started just before Christmas with events including Brownies and Rainbows from Northenden in the city, putting on a play at a sheltered housing court in South Manchester and arranging an indoor camp fire with story-telling and craft sessions.

Former Brownie Veronica Armstrong, 67, from Northenden, a grandmother of 16, said:

After the trial run the badge is being rolled out across Manchester this week for all 5,000 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and members of The Senior Section.

It is part of a new push by health and council officials to improve wellbeing for youngsters as part of reciprocal projects with older people to break down age barriers and tackle loneliness.

It was the idea of Manchester Health and Care Commissioning (MHCC) - the new commissioning partnership agreement between Manchester City Council and Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group, working initially with two Brownies units in Wythenshawe and Gorton and Girlguiding Manchester's Guiding Development Adviser.

Ian Williamson, chief accountable officer, Manchester Health and Care Commissioning, said:

Helen Salvini, Assistant County Commissioner, Girlguiding Manchester, added: