AN Ellesmere Port-based charity that provides fresh organic vegetable boxes across the region is running a running a weekly group to reduce social isolation in people aged over 50.

Bridge Wellness Gardens and Bridge Community Farms runs the group every Thursday afternoon.

The group takes part in a number of craft activities from armchair yoga to African drumming sessions but this year decided to knit poppies and make wreathes for Remembrance Day.

All proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

General manager Clair Johnson said: “Our community farm is a fantastic place and we thought it would be a good idea to extend what we do to grow better lives by setting up a group to help to reduce social isolation in the over 50s.

“One regular had not left the house for two years due to illness and anxiety. She is now a regular attendee who claims her life was changed the day she joined us.

"She now has a good circle of friends and they meet outside of the club too.

“Another lady joined and has become a regular volunteer in our Better Lives Café. We gave her training and she successfully completed her food hygiene certification.

“We have another lady with early onset dementia who attends both of our groups to keep her mind active. She says she feels less anxious and is finding she is coping better on a day to day basis.

“All attendees have become part of our ever-growing family and most use our facilities regularly and often meet up for breakfasts on Saturday mornings in our lovely cafe.”

The Thursday group meets every week between noon and 2pm. The session costs £3.50 and lunch is included.

Bridge Wellness Gardens is based in Mill Lane, off Overpool Road, in Ellesmere Port.

For more information, visit bwgardens.co.uk/ or call 07446 699995.