TWO projects in Winsford which aim to improve the lives of elderly people, have been awarded almost £40,000 between them.

Brightlife, a Cheshire-based partnership aiming to tackle loneliness among over 50s, have given out a share of £250,000 of ‘Bright Ideas’ funding, to 13 projects which share its main goal.

The fund, designed for community groups and organisations that have an idea for a project that can bring over 50s together and reduce loneliness, will support thirteen projects with up to £20,000 each, along with business support and training from Brightlife.

Out of the 13 projects chosen, Winsford-based Bright Stars and Read and Connect were given £17,884 and £20,000 respectively.

Bright Stars, run by Motherwell Cheshire CIO, is a mentoring project connecting older ladies with young mums who have mental health or family breakdown issues.

Read and Connect, run together by The Neuromuscular Centre, Cheshire Centre for Independent Living, and Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust, is a book club designed for over 50s with a long-term disabling condition and their carers.

Chris McClelland, head of Brightlife, said: “We have been impressed with the number and quality of the applications to our Bright Ideas Fund.

“The difficulty we had in choosing the winning projects is testament to the fantastic level of innovation that is present in our local communities when it comes to designing new ways to improve the lives of over 50s.”