MORE older and frailer people across the Island will be supported by Mountbatten, thanks to grant funding.

Volunteers are now being sought, after the charity successfully bid for a Hospice UK grant for the new Responsible Communities project.

It will help those who are thought to be in the last years of life, across six pilot areas of the Island over the coming 18 months.

The end of life care charity will be reaching out to the communities of Ventnor, Shanklin, East Cowes, Newport, Freshwater and Ryde to support those who may be in the last years of life who are lonely, isolated and older, and limited by frailty or advanced medical conditions.

The project aims to develop local community champion volunteers who will be able to support these people, who may have become isolated.

The volunteering involvement will be geared towards encouraging the person out of their home. It may be as simple as going for a cup of tea, enjoying a shared interest, or a trip to the local community centre.

This project will also enable Mountbatten to reach out to offer training and support to local community organisations, faith groups and charities within the six communities to support them in developing their knowledge and skills around supporting those with illness, dying and loss.

Anyone who wants to find out more and get involved is invited to attend a meeting at 11am for an hour, on Wednesday, October 10, at Mountbatten Hospice in Newport.