The council-run Good Neighbour Scheme supports older people to live independently, providing social activities, befriending by volunteers and practical assistance. Now, with the cuts, it is closing. Olga, aged 83, says, “I’ve been very happy. I look forward to going out every fortnight. It will affect me greatly if the scheme closes because I will be isolated. Everybody is friendly. I’ll be losing a lot if they close it down, because I depend on it. We get such a lot of enjoyment. We all look forward to it. Oh God, I hope they don’t cut it! They will be getting a lot more Alzheimer’s and people going into homes. They phone and ask if I’m all right. If it’s closed, who will do that?”