“WHAT makes people lonely” is the question being asked in two York neighbourhoods as a major study gets under way.

People living in New Earswick and the Carr Estate in Acomb along with two areas in Bradford are being asked to act as researchers to help create “lasting change” in their communities.

The work is being carried out by York’s Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust as part of a project to look at how neighbourhoods can tackle issues of loneliness.

It is then hoped their work will be used to help other people across the country.

Tracey Robbins, programme manager for JRF and JRHT, said: “Though we will be on hand to provide support and guidance, we think it’s important for people who are at the heart of their neighbourhoods to be at the centre of this research. They are best placed to know, or find out, the needs of their neighbourhood and respond to them appropriately.

“I think for those who are involved it could potentially create a better sense of neighbourhood. It’s about supporting people that feel lonely to cope with it very quickly.”

She said contrasting communities had been deliberately selected as New Earswick has more investment and the Carr Estate in Acomb has very little, only having two schools and a children’s centre.

Denholme, in Bradford, is a rural area and Bradford Moor is an inner city urban environment.

Training will be provided by JRF and JRHT to enable people to become involved in the research project.

Afternoon and evening introductory sessions will be taking place in the four neighbourhoods, where residents can find out more about the aims of the programme and how to get involved.

Introductory sessions for residents will be held in Carr Infant School, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm on May 10 and from noon to 3pm on May 13. In New Earswick they will be at the Folk Hall from 12.30 to 3.30pm on May 11 and from 6pm to 9pm on May 12.

For more information, phone Tracey Robbins on 07580 071818 or email tracey.robbins@jrf.org.uk