A PIONEERING project is being launched in Malpas to help address social isolation through an ambitious programme of activities that will help highlight the central and valued role older people play in their communities. Brightlife is being led by older people across Cheshire West and Chester, and its new scheme, called ‘Well Connected in Malpas’ will launch at at the Jubilee Hall on Friday, October 2 from 11am to 2pm. The aim is to find out what people love about the village and the activities they enjoy, and what they would like to see introduced in the future. Anyone and everyone who is connected to the village is invited along.From 11am to 11.50am there will be a welcome and refreshments, followed by an introduction to Brightlife’s ‘Well Connected in Malpas’ project, and an exclusive screening of a brand new Aardman Animation short film featuring familiar animal characters with the real voices of older people talking about what they do to stay active and involved in their communities. There will also be musical entertainment from the Dee-sign Choir. Then from 12 noon to 2pm there will be a Community Conversation, when members of the community will be able to post details of all the activities, services and groups in the area onto a giant map. People can also say what they would like to see more of (or less of) and share any ideas and thoughts on how to make things better for the older people in Malpas. Refreshments will be provided throughout the afternoon. John Webb, chairman of Malpas Parish Council said: “Brightlife offers an exciting opportunity for Malpas to find some new ways to combat loneliness and isolation. Given so many in our local community are over 50, this is an extremely important initiative. It can make a real difference to the lives of people in the village. Public services are limited in rural Cheshire and public budgets under increasing pressure. The investment from The Big Lottery is very welcome and provides considerable opportunities to develop services which people need and will want to be involved in. It is really important that we support the project." The Brightlife Team will be attending a number of drop-in community events over the course of the following week and throughout October. Full listings of activities will be provided at the Malpas Community Conversation. To find out more visitwww.brightlifecheshire.org.uk