Testing the idea with indoor camp fire, stories and a play

THE new badge to tackle loneliness in older people has been launched in Manchester, with the hope that the initiative will eventually be taken up by Guides across the country.

To earn their badge, the youngsters have to visit care homes or sheltered housing to spend time with elderly people.

A trial began just before Christmas and has involved Rainbows, aged five to seven, and Brownies, aged seven to 10, organising events including an indoor camp fire with story-telling and craft sessions, and a play for the residents of sheltered housing in South Manchester.

Former Brownie and grandmother-of-16 Veronica Armstrong, 67, who had fun with Brownie Frankie Fernandez, eight, toasting marshmallows over candles, said the trial had been a great success and helped introduce the old and young to “a different view on life”. She said: “We have skills we can show them, like sewing, learning to knit and gardening. Plus, a lot of my friends miss their families because they don’t live near their children or grandkids.

“They would still really like to have that ongoing involvement with children’s projects.”

The new loneliness badge is open to all 5,000 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and members of The Senior Section, which involves 14 to 25-years-olds, in Manchester.