A new project is being launched in Hounslow to connect people in sheltered accommodation with students from schools across the borough.

Keith Head chairman of Sheltered Accommodation Residents Association (SARA) which runs 23 sheltered schemes with over 1,000 residents is looking to team up with as many sixth forms as possible to encourage community cohesion.

The scheme will see pupils aged 16 to 18 create a regular newsletter about what is happening in the borough which will be distributed to all the SARA centres as well as organised visits to the shelters.

Mr Head, 68, who lives in sheltered accommodation at Owen House in Feltham , said: “People living in sheltered housing have no communication with the outside world.

“People do not come out of their flats, either they cannot or there is nothing to come out for.

“We want to improve their living.

“If students go along and chat and get acquainted, in time if people want they can go out to art sessions or singing and dancing.”

The project backed by Hounslow council , has so far received support from Rivers Academy West London in Feltham and Kingsley Academy in Hounslow.

Mr Head hopes to get all the sixth forms in the borough involved in the scheme.

Principal at Rivers Suzanne Dew is supportive of such initiatives to run alongside students’ studies as it encourages community activity and raises awareness of the local area as well as providing an invaluable experience in their role as ambassadors for the academy.

Ms Dew said: “Initiatives like this are an important part of the sixth form programme; they encourage community awareness, teaching our young people to develop shared responsibility for the local community and residents.

“The benefits are twofold; the students develop the skills of management, interaction and collective responsibility whilst the local residents are kept up to date with local developments and are valued as members of the local community.

“The Rivers sixth formers, and students from lower down the school, will create and publish a regular newsletter compiling information and news from Hounslow, Feltham, Bedfont and Hanworth.

“In addition, students will attend coffee mornings held at the local sheltered housing and build up community relationships with the residents.”

If you would like to sponsor SARA or are a school interested in getting involved in the project: emailkeith.head.sara@gmail.com