A NEW Rhyl project aimed at combating loneliness has proved to be just the ticket after securing funding to carry it on for 12 months.

The Rhyl Read – a free magazine created by Rhyl Town Council – was distributed for the first time at the beginning of the year.

Aimed at older people and those most affected by lockdowns, the magazine included recipes, activities such as puzzles and colouring along with ideas for things to make.

The magazine was free to download with printed editions sent to anyone who requested one.

However, the council knew some people wouldn’t be able to download the magazine and others would prefer a physical copy. The council applied to The National Lottery Community Fund which has now given more than £8,000 in funding to support the project.

The finance will enable the project to continue until 2022 and allow the council to print copies to deliver to groups, nursing and care homes and individuals in the town.

Rhyl mayor Cllr Diane King said: “These periods of lockdown, of being separated from friends and family, have caused real hardship and anxiety for some in our town. For some people it could still be some time before they see friends and family again. Life might be slowly returning to normal, but it is a slow process.

“We wanted to give people, particularly those on their own, something to do and so The Rhyl Read was born. We also want to physically distribute it in the future, for example gifting copies to care homes.”

The funding will enable the council to produce another four bilingual copies over the next 12 months.

Ruth Bates, Interim Director Wales at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, communities across Wales have made an incredible impact, supporting each other over this difficult period. As we cautiously look to the future, we know people will continue to make a

positive difference to each other’s lives, thanks to the wonderful support provided by the groups funded this month.”