A NEW initiative aimed at tackling loneliness and offering support to people across Newton Abbot has been launched by the Salvation Army.

The charity’s new ‘Listening Post’ launched this week at the town’s Wetherspoons, the Richard Hopkins.

The scheme provides a welcoming space where anyone can stop for a chat, share their thoughts or simply enjoy some company.

The Listening Post, which launched on Wednesday, July 15, will run every Wednesday from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

Initially, it will run on a trial basis.

Volunteers from the Salvation Army’s Newton Abbot team will be on hand to offer a friendly face and a listening ear in a relaxed, informal setting.

The initiative is open to everyone, whether they are feeling lonely, struggling with anxiety, facing difficult circumstances or just want to have a conversation with someone who will take the time to listen.

Members of The Salvation Army said the idea is to bring their support directly into the heart of the community, rather than waiting for people to seek them out.

Major Nigel Byrne, leader of The Salvation Army in Newton Abbot, said: ‘Life isn’t always easy, and sometimes the greatest gift we can offer someone is simply our time and our attention.

‘We want people to know that they don’t have to face life’s challenges on their own.

‘There is no pressure, no expectations and no agenda.

‘If someone wants a friendly conversation, we’re here to listen.

‘If they ask us to pray with them, we’re happy to do that too, but only if that’s something they would like’.

The Listening Post follows the success of similar Salvation Army projects in other parts of the country, where volunteers have supported people experiencing loneliness, poor mental health, bereavement, financial difficulties and other personal challenges.