Gransnet Local to reduce loneliness for older people

Gransnet Local to reduce loneliness for older people
09 April 2013

A social network aimed at grandparents has launched a new local service to share information on events and local issues an to provide people with opportunities to meet.

Gransnet Local aims to help the over-50s make new connections, both online and offline, bring people together and ultimately reduce loneliness.

Martha Lane Fox, the government's digital champion said: "Many older people in the UK are still not online, leaving them potentially isolated and at a disadvantage. I welcome the launch of Gransnet Local, which will offer an incentive to people to get online to find out what's happening in their area and connect with others, and take the friendship and support that Gransnet already offers into a wider community."

Gransnet Local will offer dedicated local forums to discuss local events and interests, and more general issues affecting the community, such as grandparenting.

It will list local events, as well as work and volunteering opportunities and provide details of local meet-ups and support groups.

Annika Small, CEO of Nominet Trust, which is providing funding for the new service said: "Too often older people can feel detached from their community. Gransnet Local not only creates new connections and friendships but also gives older people the chance to have their voice heard on local issues that matter to them. Granset Local is so important as it ensures that older people remain at the heart of communities rather than allowing them to become sidelined. As such, it is a powerful example of how digital technology can support greater social participation by often marginalised and vulnerable groups."

Geraldine Bedell, Gransnet editor added: "Our members have already started meeting up of their own accord and local sites will make that much easier. Occasionally in the past our members have admitted to sometimes feeling lonely and they love the way the site connects them to others. Gransnet Local will extend the support and friendship we offer online into meet-ups and will provide a forum to discuss everything that's going on locally."