Isolation/loneliness-do groups & organisations solve the issue for you

I`ve been trying to identify “things to fill the gaps”. That way of explaining it, although probably not the best way, is what immediately comes to my mind. It seems to me that no matter how many interests we may have and however much we have to do, there will invariably be “gaps” which are the difficult part.

There is a national campaign ongoing specifically targeting loneliness, and it is not just the elderly that are experiencing it.

Quote: Loneliness is a bigger problem than simply an emotional experience. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health: lacking social connections is a comparable risk factor for early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is worse for us than well-known risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. Source> http://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/about-loneliness/

Homepage: http://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/

In Rotherham we have the Chislett centre which includes the “men in sheds” initiative, plus other activities for social interaction.

For anyone on here in a similar situation, what works for you? Is your local community providing similar help to combat these issues?

I didn't realise 'men in sheds' was still around. We have a business twitter account, have you anything you want tweeting to get the word out about?

I live on my own and do not work now. I find volunteering for a charity which interests you is a excellent way of "filling the gap". You are mixing with people who have the same interests as you but also you feel involved and useful.

I live on my own and do not work now. I find volunteering for a charity which interests you is a excellent way of "filling the gap". You are mixing with people who have the same interests as you but also you feel involved and useful.

May I ask which charity it is that you volunteer with and what your interests are? Identifying a charity where the other volunteers have the same interests as you have is great.

In retirement or by being unemployed or not well enough to work, people may not be lonely, but they may need things outside the home to occupy their time.

I volunteer in a charity shop; I'm a long term member of Sheffield fifty plus; I belong to a group with an interest in antiques who meet once a week.

I attend a fitness class for older people, as well as enjoying aqua aerobics. Because of a health issue, I started via a GP referral which gives a discount on the costs. I also used to go on a health walk once a week, but I can't fit that in now!

http://www.sheffield50plus.org.uk

http://www.sheffielddirectory.org.uk/kb5/sheffield/directory/service.page?id=1T8Pb6Cp4QU

https://www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

In Chesterfield their is very little support as most things have been cut. For example we had an LGBT service which had different groups for all age groups plus health advice we had this for years but axe fell and that was that the result been not good to say the least. We might still have the odd 50 plus group knocking about but generally not aimed at just people on their own . Nothing for disabled people. Very much left too it.

I`ve been trying to identify “things to fill the gaps”. That way of explaining it, although probably not the best way, is what immediately comes to my mind. It seems to me that no matter how many interests we may have and however much we have to do, there will invariably be “gaps” which are the difficult part.

 

There is a national campaign ongoing specifically targeting loneliness, and it is not just the elderly that are experiencing it.

 

Quote: Loneliness is a bigger problem than simply an emotional experience. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health: lacking social connections is a comparable risk factor for early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is worse for us than well-known risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. Source> http://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/about-loneliness/

 

Homepage: http://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/

 

In Rotherham we have the Chislett centre which includes the “men in sheds” initiative, plus other activities for social interaction.

 

For anyone on here in a similar situation, what works for you? Is your local community providing similar help to combat these issues?

We have put two tweets out today. I used a hash tag to get is tweeted around Rotherham. They tweets have got over 900 views. Let me know if you are having specific events on and I will re tweet again.