A PARTNERSHIP between a Southampton university and a charity is set to help the city's elderly. 

A new scheme between the University of Southampton and Southampton Living Well aims to improve mental health and well-being among the elderly population. 

Occupational Therapy students, along with SLW, organised a range of activities such as flowerpot decorating and sowing seeds with the community members. 

Student, Emily Edwards, said: "As a group of six, we planned an activity based around decorating plant pots and planting seeds. We felt a real sense of connection with the customers throughout the activity. 

"Everyone chatted and joked throughout the session."

SLW provides a range of services for older people and their carers at various hubs across the city.

Meanwhile, Alison Fisher, day opportunities manager at SLW, said: "We were thrilled and were so pleased that a group of students wanted to meet some older people in their community and help create activities they would enjoy.

"During the first week, the students chatted with the individuals we support and got to know each other better.

"They then returned the following week to decorate flower pots together. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this, and our customers all looked forward to seeing the students again."