Library users in Thurrock can benefit from a nationwide scheme aimed at tackling loneliness by starting conversations through reading.
Reading Friends launches in Thurrock on Wednesday 3 February to reconnect adults, including readers and non-readers, with others and make new friends.
Online groups will meet weekly on Tuesdays or Saturdays and anonline parents group will be held fortnightly on Wednesdays. The online groups will eventually expand to take place in borough libraries once government guidance permits this.
Weekly befriending calls with residents who use the Home-Link service will also be offered through the scheme until Wednesday 31 March 2021. This opportunity is also available to other library users.