A PUBLICLY funded group set up to improve the lives of older county residents has helped 500 people since it was launched one year ago, and can help more.

A plea has gone out to spread the word about the Worcestershire Integrated Neighbourhood Network (WiNN), which still has money left to spend.

The £200,000 scheme, funded by County Hall, has been hailed as a resounding success so far.

The group targets people aged 55 and over by staging a range of activities such as lunch clubs, exercise classes, social trips and shopping schemes in Worcestershire. It is aimed at people in Warndon, Tolladine, Brickfields, Ronkswood, Barbourne, Rainbow Hill and Worcester city centre in need of support.

The WiNN has guaranteed funding for a second year and is still going through applications.

Councillor Pam Clayton, who sits on the WiNN board, said: "A lot of older people have said to me that this funding changes their life.

"No group can have more than £1,000 at any one time, but it is open to any activity for older people, such as church groups, keep-fit sessions, bowling clubs, holiday groups, social clubs and so on.

"It's gone really well so far, but there is still a year to go. The money needs to be spread all over the city so it reaches as many people as possible."

The WiNN has put money towards more than 25 projects since the launch, including a fortnightly snack and chat group at Ronkswood Community Centre and exercise classes at Worcester Baptist Church.

As well as Worcester, it has set up offices in Evesham and Redditch to provide further points of contact across the county.

The group still has a surplus of cash to be allocated to appropriate community-based projects between now and spring 2008.

WiNN project manager Keith Hoare said: "There is still money in the pot for social groups who need support. We would encourage people to get their applications in, and are particularly interested in hearing from people at the younger end of the scale, between 55-65."

Anyone interested in finding out about funding and any other support WiNN can offer can call 01905 756449.