CHURCHES in North Yorkshire are being urged to get involved in helping old people and combating loneliness.

The call has come from the county’s Older People’s Champion, Shelagh Marshall, in her annual report to the county council.

“Churches provide unique opportunities due to the number of older and single people who attend church,” she said.

Cllr Marshall, who was awarded the OBE for her services to older people, has been invited by the Bishop of Ripon to be a member of a group which has been formed through churches to identify local issues of isolation.

Already, said Coun Marshall, a scheme known as “Men in Sheds” has been developed enabling men living on their own to get meet up and learn skills.

“There is a growing number of single older men who are committing suicide and this needs to be addressed” she added.

Some 2,000 old people have also been given help in North Yorkshire through an initiative which provides face-to-face help and advice, and building self-confidence, and helping older people in the county to access community activities and giving such practical support as maximising a person’s income.