A YOUTH charity wants to help beat loneliness among the elderly by giving them tablets to communicate online.

The impact of coronavirus on mental wellbeing is immense, not only on young people but their grandparents and the wider family too.

Often the over 75s are in the most vulnerable group and most have been self-isolating for over eight weeks.

Blackburn charity, Youth Action, is in partnership with the Home Instead Bring Joy Foundation and Facebook to provide free Facebook Portal Tablets to Blackburn grandparents.

With the tablet, grandparents are able to connect with their wider families, especially grandchildren.

The initiative, Family Connect, is being led by Youth Action based at Unity House on Preston New Road.

Youth Action has been supporting children and families for over 19 years and supports children and families in the community.

Chairman Suhail Ainarkar said: “Reducing isolation and improving mental wellbeing is one of the key priorities of our charity. We recognise the importance of grandparents in the family, and thanks to our partnership with the Bring Joy Foundation and Facebook, we are proud to be able to provide these free devices.

“During this pandemic, everyone needs to play their part in looking after not just themselves but others around them.”

Penny Hamer, Executive Director of the Bring Joy Foundation, said: “We are delighted we have been able to work with Youth Action to support local families at this time in order to help them stay connected.

“The Home Instead Bring Joy Foundation aims to reduce feelings of loneliness and keep people connected at a time when being physically near to a loved one is difficult.

“It is a pleasure to keep families connected through the use of the portal device.”

For more information about this initiative email Youth Action on hello@youthaction.org.uk