There was joy and celebration today after a "vital lifeline" for older, more isolated residents in South Liverpool reopened on Friday.
Wheel Meet Again, an over-50s scheme that combines community transport with social and educational activities, has been relaunched following its closure last year due to loss of funding.
Those who have benefited from the scheme - which is based at South Central Community Transport on Mill Street in the Dingle- have said they are "made up" at the news.
Barbara Lever, who had been taking part in activities with Wheel Meet Again for over five years before the scheme's closure said: "It's just been awful since it closed.
"I am really made up it's open again - I've been coming since the beginning nearly. I'm fortunate as I have family, but not everybody does - people have been lost without it."
Margaret Wright has also been attending for the past five years, and like Barbara was referred by her doctor to Wheel Meet Again after experiencing depression following the loss of her husband.
She said: "When I got on the bus this morning there were lots of people I hadn't seen for months.
"It was so lovely to see everyone. I can't even say how much really it had an effect on when me 'Wheels' as I call it ended.
"I have mobility problems and struggle with social isolation - I have my family and they're great but they don't live close, so you need that kind of additional network.
"They are like an extended family to me here - they are just so marvellous.
"It was really depressing when it stopped - it's like you look forward to something and then it goes. A lot of us here don't have much family and loneliness is a big thing but so don't like to admit it.
"I like my own company but not in such big slices. I've missed them so much."
At the relaunch at South Central Community Transport, the Wheel Meet Again room above the depot was bustling with dozens of people celebrating the return of a service that many describe as "vital".
Manager Lynn Richardson told the ECHO: "We are absolutely thrilled and can't wait to have everything up and running again - the launch today is the first time many of these people have seen each other for months."
Mayoral Lead for Older People (South) Jeremy Wolfson spoke at the relaunch of the significance of the service. He said: "The value of Wheel Meet Again to the community cannot be overestimated. Its continuation is vital in combating social isolation."
Wheel Meet Again has received funding for one year, and will be providing popular classes such as IT, Creative Writing and Lunch and Debate.
South Central Community Transport has received three years' additional funding, enabling both organisations to collect vulnerable residents, or those with mobility difficulties and bring them along to Wheel Meet Again's wide range of activities.
Barbara said: "I go on Facebook and speak with my grandkids. The IT classes really helped with that. I love the lunch and debate because I do like to have a good debate about things."
Margaret also loves the IT: "I like to learn about the computers, and just being here, we're all like family really. I'm so glad to be back."
More information about Wheel Meet Again can be found on the South Central Community Transport website.
