New initiatives to help combat loneliness in Sheffield and cut calls for support from emergency services were shared at a networking event for organisations in the city.

The People Keeping Well organisation was given £217.50 from Sheffield’s south-west Local Area Committee, within the budget, to fund a Network Revamp event to help improve support services for vulnerable people.

The funds went towards a half-day workshop at St Luke’s Hospice on Little Common Lane, Whirlow, to bring together 24 people from the PKW organisation partnerships in the area.

Adam Howard, senior community engagement officer for Age UK, who organises the programme, said it had been a good morning.

He said: “It was a unique opportunity to bring our people together and discuss how it is going in organisations from each other.”

The council financing the event allowed representatives to help share their services, which included new initiatives to reduce the risk of people becoming isolated and to reduce calls for support from emergency services.

Initiatives included the organisation of social cafes, 1-2-1 sessions with a health trainer and, activity groups to bring people together and reduce isolation.

Mr Howard said: “The council are very good in the south west. We have formed a good partnership and they can provide funding support.”

The committee also allocated £298, in the budget, to a health and wellbeing drop-in event within the area to provide a space for residents needing health and social support.

Amnah Badr, 19, a student at the University of Sheffield said: “It’s very comforting to know that the council is supporting us as residents and providing us with resources if we need help.

“It is really reassuring as a younger person at university.”

The finances came from unallocated funding of £12,322, with £10,000 being allocated to ward funding for local projects.

The People Keeping Well organisation is one of Sheffield’s approaches to social prescribing and helps prevent people needing access to health and social care services.

Age UK, Shipshape and Reach South Sheffield lead PKW partnerships within the South West of Sheffield.

Each partnership works with individuals with declining health and wellbeing and directs them towards services and activities suited to their needs.

More information can be found at www.sheffielddirectory.org.uk/pkw or by calling 0114 273 4631.