One third of over 75s usually spend more than 12 hours a day on their own
One in 10 of the over 75s say they feel "intensely lonely all of the time."
One in eight older people who are lonely said they worry about their mental health because they have no-one to talk to
A recent BMJ survey said that social isolation was “like obesity”
At the last census 20% of Bournemouth population were over 65;
Nearly 10% (15,296) of Bournemouth’s residents consider themselves carers
There is some excellent work already being done to address this need:
25 lunch clubs see 400 people each week (80% of them are in churches)
At least 3 community groups and churches run Christmas Day specials;
There are social groups for over 50s; many of which are in churches and some linked to visiting local care homes;
There are specialist clubs for men, widows and carers
There are several befriending organisations, including AgeUK, Help & Care, Faithworks Wessex; plus other specialists (Dorset Blind Assoc., SSAFA)
But there are challenges:
Capacity: Volunteers are getting older and less able to support
Getting the word out…: there is room for 150 more people to attend lunch clubs
Gaps: Transport is in scarce supply; statutory resources are reducing
The seldom heard…: What about those who can’t get out to groups, or who have lost their confidence?
Our mission:
Combine the resources, compassion and localness of the churches that are in every community to “re-connect” 1000 older people in Bournemouth so that we stop the increase in loneliness in our town
We accept referrals from anyone, including individuals, as long as the referred person has given permission, is over 65 and lives in Bournemouth.
Meeting up - We will meet with the person to identify activities and additional support that will help them maintain their independence.
Connecting - We will make sure that they can get to these activities (and come too if that’s helpful).
Keeping contact - We will provide regular telephone support or find a volunteer to drop in and chat on a regular basis if needed.
Making sure it works - We will contact the person after a while to make sure they are happy and see if there is anything else we can do to help
How can you join in?
Give a little time - Could you drop in to chat with someone who’s feeling lonely; or help at a regular club or event; or be willing to drive people to activities; or even become a telephone befriender? Just a couple of hours per month could transform a lonely life.
Give - financially 3 people giving £5 per month would allow us to re-connect someone with their local community.
Partner - Can we help equip your church or group to reach out to the lonely in their community?
Pray - Can we send you regular information so that you can pray for an end to the growing epidemic of loneliness.
Tess Champion
Meet your coordinator Tess, if you need to contact her please use the details here
At our recent breakfast we talked about the major issue of transport for older people and how a lack of transport often means that people become housebound, not because they can't physically get out.
We want to encourage churches to help local Community Transport Charity Sedcat Community Transport to find volunteers so in turn, they will have resources to help transport people to the groups and activities happening in the churches. Genius, right?
