Tackling Loneliness in Letchworth
28th August 2019
Loneliness is harmful to both mental and physical health. Recent research has indicated that it significantly impacts on mortality. Loneliness is comparable to the impact of smoking 15 cigarettes per day, consuming alcohol and being obese.
It also puts you at higher risk of hypertension, depression, cognitive decline, dementia, the onset of disability and is associated with a 64% increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Compassionate Neighbours
Over 9 million people in the UK – almost a fifth of the population – say they are always or often lonely, but almost two thirds feel uncomfortable admitting to it. And around 200,000 older people in the UK have not had a conversation with a friend or relative in more than a month. In a bid to tackle this problem, Garden House Hospice Care has implemented the initiative Compassionate Neighbours. The project works across North Hertforshire, Stevenage and the surrounding towns and villages.
Compassionate Neighbours are trained volunteers offering friendship and a listening ear to people living in the community who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation. The volunteers are matched with a community member based on their interests and hobbies, offering regular visits, companionship, emotional support and a listening ear, helping them to do things they like doing and stay connected with the community, as well as with family and friends.
Compassionate Neighbours Project Manager, Jeanette Farrow says: “We’ve seen a huge impact on the emotional and physical wellbeing of everyone involved with the scheme and have achieved some fantastic results in the project’s first year. We encourage you to get out into your community, whether it’s sharing a smile with a neighbour, or a cup of tea with an old friend, every friendly gesture makes a difference.”
Paul, a local Compassionate Neighbour, adds: “It means the world to me to help someone else who is going through a difficult time and make them feel better about themselves and a whole lot happier. The project has helped to change the way I feel about life and I now look at others and see how I can help. It cheers me up. I lost my wife last year and this project has given me a purpose and I know my wife would be proud of me”.
Become a Volunteer
Can you spare an hour a week to make a real difference in someone’s life? Do you know someone who could benefit from being matched with a Compassionate Neighbour? If so, Garden House Hospice Care would love to hear from you. Simply email cn@ghhospicecare.org.uk or call 01462 679540.
