Guild Care chief executive Alex Brooks-Johnson has issued a call for an end to social isolation.

His call came during a presentation of Guild Care’s Social Care Impact report to community leaders at Worthing Town Hall this month.

Brooks-Johnson said: “We’re calling for a collective commitment from some of the incredible organisations in Worthing to work collaboratively with us at Guild Care to end social isolation and make Worthing the best place to grow old in the UK.”

Guild Care aims to support 8,000 people through its Creating Connections services and end social isolation for older people in Worthing. Brooks-Johnson highlighted studies that have shown that more than a million older people in the UK have gone over a month without speaking to friends or family.

Creating Connections member, Pam Fairley, said: “After my husband died, I felt so low. I contacted Creating Connections which has changed my life. At the new members’ meeting I chose the quiz, which everyone loves, and singing, which is how I met my lovely friend Audrey. Creating Connections really has brightened my life.”

Creative Connections activities range from arts & crafts, bingo, singing, gentle exercise sessions, a quiz and ping pong. Most activities are free, so they are accessible for all, thanks to public funding and generous private donations.

Brooks-Johnson added: “For every £1 spent, the social return on investment is over £5.96­. By helping to prevent people needing hospital beds, the more we can increase health and wellbeing, the more impact we should see on the social care system.

“I’m delighted that 83% of people told us they feel less lonely since joining Creating Connections, but we need to help many more people facing social isolation. That means we need larger venues, more funding, and more volunteers to drive the minibuses and help run the sessions.”