AN INITIATIVE has been set up to link care homes in the area to help residents take part in activities and have a change of scenery.

Brainchild of the Athena Healthcare Group the 'community monthly activity hub' involves bringing care homes and the community together in order to help the elderly age 'well' in care homes. 

The activities also work to combat loneliness and isolation in the community.

Launched on March 16 the hub began its journey at the Civic Hall in Ormskirk and yesterday some residents met in New Brighton's Queens Royal Hotel for a fish and chips lunch.

Group events co-ordinator Lesley Malone said: "It was lovely at New Brighton's Queens Royal.

"The residents spoke of their holidays with their own familes at New Brighton which of course has always been a popular seaside destination.

"One lady from Parklands Lodge and another from Arron More Park in Burscough spoke to each other and discovered that they had completed their nursing training at the Royal in Liverpool.

"This was amazing to hear that a new friendship had formed among the ladies and that they will be keeping in contact with each other. 

"Another lovely story was that of two gentlemen, one from Parklands Lodge and the other who lives in his own home who used to go to the same school - eighty years ago.

"The event is helping people not only in care homes make new friends and feel less lonely but the elderly in the wider community. 

"You hear a lot of negatives about care homes and hardly any positives but this great initiative for North West Care homes is trying to change that."

Athena Healthcare Group are now looking for more care homes to join with the activity hub to work together to provide an active and healthy lifestyle for the elderly.