A COFFEE group working to tackle loneliness visited spots throughout the county this month.

The group, run by Bradwell Village Shop, is open every Monday from 10am and encourages people to socialise over a cup of tea or coffee.

Organiser Janet Galloway said the group has been trying harder to socialise and attract new members.

She said: “We have started going out once a month for lunch or just a cup of tea to share time together and recently we have been to Papermill Lock in Little Baddow.

“Some of us hadn’t been there before and really enjoyed the scenery and the lunch was fab.

“This week we’re going to a garden centre for lunch and to do a bit of Christmas shopping.”

The group is a great way for people who are unable to get out of the house regularly to explore beyond their own four walls.

Janet added: “Some of the lovely people who come to our Monday group don’t go out shopping due to inabilities, so we hope they have an opportunity to do so this way.

“A lady who comes to Monday’s group usually goes out once a week.

“However, we have introduced her to the Thursday club in the church and Down Hall residential home for their lunch club once a month. She really enjoyed the lunch and made friends too.

“There are so many lovely people out there willing to do a good turn to others.”

The free coffee and socialising session started last month when a kind sponsor offered to pay the costs of the sessions for a year.

District council community volunteers are trying to promote villagers getting together to prevent isolation.

The village shop has been in contact with Community 360 to start local visits to garden centres, or for pub lunches.

To find out more, visit www.bradwellcommunityshop. co.uk.