LONELINESS and isolation are the main concerns of older people in Bournemouth, a new forum has revealed.

Visitors to the first meeting of Bournemouth Older People’s Forum were asked what worries them most.

And all said the fear of being along was their main concern.

More than 100 over-50s turned out for the launch meeting, held at Bournemouth’s Premier Inn.

All were asked what they thought could be done to combat the problem and responses will be collated before the forum decides what action can be taken.

Chair Pat Lewis, a former Bournemouth councillor, told the Daily Echo: “People got together in small groups around tables and every single table said older people being isolated and lonely was the most important thing to tackle.

“They were also concerned about community transport.”

She said “all decades” over 50 were well represented at the meeting and that the forum will meet every two months.

As well as serious issues, the forum will also look at social activities and Pat urged anyone interested to attend the next meeting.

It will be held at the Premier Inn on Friday June 1 at 10am.

More details are available at accessdorset.org.uk/4-bop.

Problems of isolation – views from Strouden Park residents

• Widow Audrey Tarrant, 75, said: “I’m lucky – I can go out during the day. I belong to a couple of different groups and I know I have a group of neighbours who would help me.

“It must be very lonely for people who can’t get out”

• Married man Malcolm Hardy, 68, said: “The only thing I miss where we’re living is we haven’t got a decent Royal British Legion or social club we can go to.

“It’s mostly women in the Memorial Homes.”

• Widower Bob Roberts, 88, said: “My wife died in January last year after our 65th anniversary.

“I’ve got family around me but at the time you need them, they’re not there. Night time drags. You don’t see anybody.”

• Widow Jean Osborne, 85, said: “I wear a lifeline. Without that I would be completely isolated. My nearest family is in Yeovil.

“For the first time, in the last year, I have a neighbour who pops in to see me.”