The Befriending Scheme, based in Sudbury, has introduced special socialising sessions to help isolated people engage with the community.

The new ‘out and about’ sessions, held in the evenings and at weekends, will include activities such as trips to the cinema, tenpin bowling, swimming, and pub quiz nights, and are intended to give vulnerable people the chance to be part of their local community, make new friends, and try new things.

Chief Executive Shirley Moore said: “We passionately believe that everyone should have the chance to feel a part of a fun and supportive community. We hope the new services will complement our existing services adding even more enjoyment to our members’ lives.”

The new services are being launched in all the charity’s drop-in centres across the county.