#Prevention and Communities Grants Programme
Opnocs, established as a registered charity in 2002 provides services that alleviate the loneliness and social isolation of older people.
Services are primarily provided to citizens in Hall Green, Kings Heath, Moseley, Yardley Wood, Billesley and Brandwood.
Services provided are as follows:

• Volunteer befrienders that either visit or phone lonely citizens, usually on a weekly basis.
• In order to tackle loneliness the project provides activities that support community involvement. Activities such as weekly coffee morning, seated yoga and trips and events  
• The project is aimed at older people who are experiencing loneliness following the loss of a loved one or friends
• All activities are face to face interactions
• Anyone can refer citizens to opnocs’ project. Social and care workers, family, friends as well as self-referral

There is an annual cost for membership, currently £3. Members receive a quarterly newsletter advertising trips and events as well as including topics of interest and other activities in the area. Trips and events are subsidised, however members are asked to pay a nominal fee towards them. 

Seated yoga is currently £3 per session whilst a contribution if £1 is requested towards coffee morning refreshments.

Weekly Activities 

Weekly Coffee Morning for older people 

Every Friday morning 10-12 

Donation of £1 towards refreshments 

Held at the Housing departments sheltered housing scheme at Whitesmith Croft, Silver Street, Kings Heath 

Seated weekly yoga sessions for older people 

Cost per session £3  

Every Tuesday morning 10-11 

Held at the Housing Departments sheltered housing scheme at Whitesmith Croft, Silver Street, Kings Heath  

Craft group for older people  

This activity is in the process of being set up.  

It will be held at the Housing Departments sheltered housing scheme at Whitesmith Croft, Silver Street, Kings Heath. 

There will be no fee to attend 

Trips 

A number of trips to various locations throughout the year on dates to be decided. 

The trips are for older people visiting various locations of interest. 

The trips are subsidised, however members are asked to contribute depending on the cost of coach hire.     

Events 

A Health and well-being event is held in October every year. The event is for older people. A morning activity is followed by a buffet lunch and musical entertainment.   

The event will be subsidised with those attending requested to contribute towards the activity. This is decided nearer the date. 

The venue will be decided nearer the date of the activity. 

Christmas meal with entertainment is held in December. 

The event is for older people.  

The event will be subsidised with those attending requested to contribute towards the activity. 

The venue will be decided nearer the date of the activity.