A COMMUNITY project led by a town theatre is helping to alleviate loneliness.

The Point Eastleigh's Call and Create project links participants with artists for a series of relaxed weekly chats over the telephone.

After five weeks, the artists will have created a song, story, poem or piece of music based on the conversations.

The project is aimed at people feeling fed up and frustrated at home that need something extra to "brighten" their day.

Previous participants have spoken of the “warm glow” created by their involvement with Call and Create.

Call and Create has been funded by the Government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund and is supported by Eastleigh Borough Council, which owns and operates The Point.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Councillor Tonia Craig, said: “Loneliness can have a serious impact on wellbeing and, for many, the situation has been made worse by the coronavirus pandemic.

"This really imaginative project should help alleviate feelings of anxiety among some of our isolated residents.”

Participants can sign up any time before 31 March 2021 and no prior creative experience is required as the project will simply involve phone conversations.

To register to take part, contact The Point’s community team: email gina.thorley@eastleigh.co.uk or call 023 8068 8840.