Elderly residents of the Maldon district, which includes Burnham-on-Crouch and the Dengie, are being invited to attend an event next month which aims to reduce isolation and loneliness amongst older people.

Maldon District Council and Chelmsford City Council are holding Silver Sunday on 4 October, when elderly residents from both areas will be able to come together and access support regarding social isolation.

The event is part of a national day held around the first Sunday of October, which was set up by the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, a charity that works to reduce loneliness amongst elderly people.

Councillor Wendy Stamp, leader of Maldon District Council, said the councils are "delighted" to be holding the event for residents.

She said: "Our event on Monday 4 October will enable up to 150 people from across our two areas to come together and enjoy a lunch, entertainment and learn some important safety, health and wellbeing advice, as well as helping to address loneliness."

Although loneliness can affect people at any age, elderly people are at greater risk. According to Age UK, over 225,000 people aged 65 and over often go a week without speaking to anyone.

Organisations who work across the Maldon district will come together to host free and low-cost events and activities throughout the day, which will also inform attendees about services available to them throughout the year.

Residents will have the opportunity to meet new people and be part of celebrations taking place across the country.

Groups set to attend the Maldon event to help residents access information and support include United in Kind, The Dance Network Association, Barclays UK, Essex Police, Essex Fire, Safer Places Domestic Abuse Support Services, Essex Trading Standards, Dementia Friends, Love Essex, Tesco, Colchester United FC and Les Davis - the district's tri-service rural community officer.

Councillor Stamp said: "I hope that everyone books their place now, so that they can enjoy the packed schedule and take the opportunity to meet new people and make some new friends."

The event will be held in Maldon Stadium on Park Drive on Monday 4 October, between 10am and 4pm.

Up to 150 residents from the Maldon and Chelmsford districts, who are aged over 65, can attend.

Bookings for the event must be made in advance by booking tickets online via Eventbrite using the link here, via email at [email protected] or by calling 01245 606919.

You can find out more information about the day using the link here.

And for more information, you can also contact Claire Hanrahan via email at [email protected] or telephone 01245 606919.