THOUSANDS of pounds has been handed out to help organisations in Hampshire tackle social isolation.

Asian Welfare and Cultural Association, which aims to meet the needs of the Asian community in Eastleigh, received £4,356 while Winchester-based Weeke Community Association was given £3,500 to help run its centre.

Others to benefit included Brendoncare Club Hampshire, which runs Brendoncare Kurling Totton, Everyone Active in Fareham and Fordingbridge & District Day Centre for the frail and housebound.

In total, £71,650 was awarded by The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation, on behalf of Hampshire County Council to 18 groups,

Jonathan Cheshire, chairman of the foundation said: “We would like to thank Hampshire County Council and the Valuing Hampshire Communities Fund for enabling us to reach right to the heart of the local communities to help reduce social isolation and disadvantage, making a real difference where it is most needed.

“However, there were some very valid projects that we were not able to make awards to this time around, so our Foundation still has much work to do.”

The funding aims to support residents who may be susceptible to social isolation, as well as older people who have specific vulnerabilities owing to loss of friends, family, mobility or income.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, the county council’s executive member for adult social care and health, said: “Our grant recipients provide locally-based, timely support to their communities, offering a diverse range of services across the county.

“Our grant funding makes a big difference by supporting the delivery of services that improve health and wellbeing, removing barriers to employment and enhancing overall quality of life.”