TWO projects in Northwich which aim to improve the lives on elderly people, have been awarded almost £40,000 between them.

Brightlife, a Cheshire-based partnership aiming to tackle loneliness among over 50s, have given out a share of £250,000 of ‘Bright Ideas’ funding, to 13 projects which share its main goal.

The fund, designed for community groups and organisations that have an idea for a project that can bring over 50s together and reduce loneliness, will support thirteen projects with up to £20,000 each, along with business support and training from Brightlife.

Out of the 13 projects chosen, Northwich-based Sparkle Café and Growing Connections were given £19,876 and £18,926 respectively.

Sparkle Café, run by Cheshire Deaf Society and Deafness Support Network, is a monthly club for older people in Northwich who are experiencing hearing loss.

Growing Connections, run by Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside, is a gardening project for older people living in assisted housing.

Chris McClelland, head of Brightlife, said: “We have been impressed with the number and quality of the applications to our Bright Ideas Fund.

“The difficulty we had in choosing the winning projects is testament to the fantastic level of innovation that is present in our local communities when it comes to designing new ways to improve the lives of over 50s.”