Trust and partners mark Loneliness Awareness in Worcestershire
The Trust and our partners, led by Worcestershire County Council, are recognising Loneliness Awareness Week (June 14th-18th).
Tackling loneliness has always been a priority but now more than ever following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Council recognises that there are people of all ages who may be feeling lonely or isolated and the Council wants to encourage everyone to take simple steps to help them feel more connected.
To support people to make connections the County Council and its partners are launching the new ‘Stay Connected Pledge’ and want to urge organisations across Worcestershire to sign up showing their commitment to tackling loneliness.
The pledge encourages organisations to ensure that their groups and clubs are inclusive and welcoming to all. By putting in place some simple measures promoted in the Stay Connected pledge, this will help ensure that they offer opportunities for people to stay connected, in a safe, inclusive and socially distanced manner as per current Government guidelines. Once organisations have signed the pledge they can display the Stay Connected logo. To find out more on the pledge go to the Worcestershire County Council website.
Organisations who have signed the pledge to date include District and Borough Councils and a number of voluntary organisations.
Sarah Dugan, Chief Executive who signed the pledge on behalf of the Trust said, "As the main provider of mental health services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire we recognise the impact loneliness and other social factors can play in a person's overall wellbeing and so we are delighted to be signing the Stay Connected Pledge".
“The last 12 months has had a profound impact on our lives and has led to many more people feeling isolated so it is really important that we share local resources and services which can help.”
Loneliness can have a detrimental effect on our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, so it is really important to stay physically and creatively active, which improves our physical and mental health and is one of the five ways to wellbeing.
There are many ways in which you and those around you can feel less lonely. Some people find connecting with others is the best way to help with their loneliness, which includes talking with others, catching up with old friends, connecting online and joining new groups, while others prefer to deal with their loneliness alone.
Loneliness Awareness Week is hosted each year by the Marmalade Trust. The theme this year is ‘We get lonely. But we don’t all get loneliness’ and the campaign is encouraging people to build upon their understanding of loneliness, so they can help themselves and others to manage feelings of loneliness.