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The Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ has paid a visit to a charity which helps alleviate loneliness, to see how the Council has helped them operate safely during the pandemic.

Councillor Tracey Dixon visited Men In Sheds - a place where older people - mainly men - can pursue practical skills such as joinery and metalworking while making valuable friendships.

The local Men In Sheds operates from premises in Hutton Street in Boldon Colliery thanks to reduced business rates from the Council. The Council's Environmental Health and Public Health teams have also supported the charity with advice and guidance on Covid-secure systems to allow the charity to re-open safely after lockdowns.

Councillor Dixon said: "We know that loneliness and social isolation can have a very negative impact on people's health and wellbeing. This has become increasingly apparent during the lockdowns, particularly for many of the people who use this charity as some are clinically vulnerable and have had to shield for long periods of time.

"As one of the Council's priorities is to support our older and more vulnerable communities, I am so pleased to see that the support and guidance from the Council has enabled this charity to open its doors again at a time when it is more desperately needed than ever before."

Ann Surtees, Secretary of the local branch of the charity said: "We are very grateful to the Council for the help and advice provided which has enabled us to open in a timely and safe manner, allowing us to offer much-needed support to our members, many of whom have been highly impacted by the repeated lockdowns brought on by the virus."

Services such as Age Concern Tyneside South, Inspire and Friends of Jarrow Cemetery, who regularly refer into the service, were also present at the re-opening event.

Anyone wanting to find out more about Men In Sheds is asked to contact ann.surtees@talktalk.net