AN innovative scheme aimed at preventing loneliness and isolation among Darlington’s elderly has been recognised nationally.

The Good Friends Scheme pairs volunteers with elderly people who may need help with small daily tasks, or are simply in need of some company.

It is managed by Age UK Darlington, with support from Darlington Council and the Darlington Partnership, and its success earned it the Health and Social Care Award at the prestigious Local Government Chronicle Awards.

Bill Dixon, Darlington Council leader was delighted with the achievement and said: “I’m thrilled that the Good Friends Scheme has been given the recognition it deserves.

“Well done to everyone involved and a big thanks to the volunteers.”

Since its launch in October 2013, more than 700 ‘Good Friends’ have signed up to help 465 neighbours across Darlington borough.

It continues to grow and in just over a year has engaged two per cent of the adult population of Darlington.

Gillian Peel, CEO of Age UK Darlington, said “It’s been amazing to see how this partnership initiative has grown; this award is very well deserved.

“I look forward to seeing the scheme continue to grow and improve the lives of the people of Darlington.”

Darlington Partnership members worked closely together to set up the scheme and its chairman Alasdair MacConachie said: “I’m so pleased that our extraordinary scheme has been nationally recognised.

“It’s really struck a chord with the people of Darlington, and all the volunteers can be very proud of this achievement.”

In their final comments, the Awards judging panel described the Good Friends scheme as having a measurable impact on the health and wellbeing of those involved.

They added: “It demonstrates brilliant partnership working between the council, two NHS trusts, the CCG, the police, Age UK and Neighbourhood Watch.

“Judges were impressed with the way it develops users into advocates and mobilises the local community.”

Handing over the award, Nick Golding, LGC’s editor, said of the winners: “It is vital that we celebrate the best of local government, not least as the talent and innovation of council officers and councillors is often not recognised to the extent it should be.

“The recipients of the awards are the people doing the most to improve services at a time resources are constrained.

“We should thank them for their great work.”

Darlington council’s Family Placement Service was also shortlisted for an award.