Essex residents and businesses are being urges to join a Braintree group in a bed to tackle loneliness.

Onboard in Braintree, which is run by volunteers from Community360, has joined forces with United in Kind-a movement which aims to tackle social isolation and loneliness.

Every Monday morning a team meet at Braintree Town Hall to play board games, have refreshments and talk.

Fitzroy Gordan, from Cressing lost his sight three years ago and is now seen by a helper at home on a weekly basis.

He says she is the only person who visits him.

Fitzroy was recently part of a group who were taken to Frinton for the day by Braintree Community Transport.

He said: “It was great. I was taken to the water’s edge and felt the sea and sand. It really cheered me up.

Caroline Burrows-Wren of Community360, said: “There are about 12 older people who come on a regular basis and a friendship group has started between them.

“They exchange phone number and ring each other at the weekends and in the evening when they might feel more alone. “