A Guernsey man has developed an app to help the older generation make new connections.
Ian Price says that once his mother's partner died, he noticed that although she remained active, participated in clubs, and saw family regularly, she appeared lonelier.
He thought other islanders must be feeling the same, and began working on Alongside.
The app will allow people aged 55 and over to talk and meet with like-minded locals.
He told Island FM:
"There is too much loneliness reported in Guernsey, and it's just not good for your mental health.
"It causes a draw on our local GPs, so if we can reduce that draw on our healthcare service, then it's just got to be a good thing, hasn't it?
"Loneliness costs the NHS around two billion pounds a year."
Ian says, although the format of a profile picture and hobbies list is similar to apps like Tinder, Alongside is not designed for dating, but instead for companionship.
Safety has been considered. The app verifies every profile through an ID check to ensure users are legitimate, and it encourages pairs to meet in public spaces.
Relatives can also set up Helper accounts to review messages and meetings.
It's Guernsey-specific, but Ian says with enough support, and proof that the format works, it could expand to the UK and other age groups.
There is no official launch date for Alongside yet, as Ian waits for at least one hundred people to sign up.
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