A NEW "freelance Friday" initiative to combat loneliness among those who work from home has been set up.

The Palace Hub, on Redcar's Esplanade, is now available on the first Friday of every month for any sole traders, freelances and entrepreneurs who want to work alongside like-minded people to become colleagues for the day.

The first session takes place tomorrow (Friday, January 6) from 10am to 3pm and people are asked to bring in their own laptops. It is free to attend and tea and coffee will be provided.

Councillor Carl Quartermain, cabinet member for jobs, skills and leisure at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said: “This is a great opportunity for people who work from home to come into a business environment for the day and meet with fellow entrepreneurs.

“Freelance Friday will be friendly and informal but will be a productive space for people to bounce ideas off, and enjoy some company in a different environment.”

Anyone wanting to attend the co-working days should book by calling Barbara Webster on 07733 110168 or email Barbara.webster@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk