A NEW scheme aimed at tackling loneliness for older people has been launched in Malpas. Brightlife, a Big Lottery funded organisation, unveiled the region's first social prescribing initiative in partnership with Laurel Bank GP Surgery in Malpas.  It will allows GPs to refer vulnerable patients directly into Brightlife services to help them become less lonely and socially isolated.  “Brightlife provides some excellent opportunities to help keep older people active, independent, involved and in control of the things that are happening to them,” said Councillor John Webb, chairman of Malpas Parish Council.  Sue Norwood, co-ordinator of the Malpas Walking for Health Scheme and a member of the Patient Participation Group at Laurel Bank Surgery, added: “Having Brightlife come to the village is great news as it will offer us more things to signpost people to. “There are a lot of socially isolated people in Malpas and we know how important it is that people stay active.” There is a weekly drop-in at the surgery every Friday between 10am and 1pm.