Members of the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network
Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network were delighted to host a Christmas networking event on Tuesday 3 December.
Members of the network were invited to share information on support available for people in the MEA area experiencing loneliness and social isolation during and after the Christmas period, including:
• Fuel poverty
• Christmas gifts
• Christmas hampers
• Emergency essentials
• Warm spaces
• Mental health support
• Any other relevant support
Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network is committed to supporting its population to live well within cohesive and well-connected communities and has developed a number of initiatives to help address loneliness.
The Network launched in December 2019 and is made up of a range of community, voluntary and statutory organisations who all work together to prevent and address loneliness.
Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network has been instrumental in supporting those feeling lonely and isolated throughout the Borough. Recognising that loneliness impacts on people of all ages, the Network has been rolled out 18 Chatty Benches, 12 Chatty Cafes, 17 Loneliness Champions and 6 Kindness Postboxes to date.
Sabrina Lynn, Northern Health & Social Care Trust, said:
“Christmas is usually a joyful time of the year when family and friends come together to celebrate and exchange gifts. However, Christmas can also be a very lonely time for many people of all ages. Not only is loneliness an unpleasant experience, but evidence also suggests it is as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”
Chairperson Marjorie Hawkins added:
“I was delighted to chair this event, especially coming up to Christmas, as I know the network makes a big difference to the people involved struggling with loneliness and social isolation.
“The impact of loneliness is now recognised as having detrimental effects to our health and wellbeing. If each of us could commit to do one small thing this Christmas to reach out to those who are socially isolated and lonely we could help change the course of these individual’s lives.”
So, in this season of good will, please spare a thought for those in your community who may be feeling lonely this Christmas.
Here are some simple things you could do that would make a big difference to someone’s life! You may also have other ideas of your own.
• Deliver a Christmas card/gift to a neighbour and stop for a chat
• Buy or bake some mince pies and visit someone who lives on their own this Christmas
• Check on elderly neighbours over the festive period especially in bad weather to see if they need help with food supplies or their prescriptions
• Become a volunteer in your local community
If you or someone you know is in distress please contact Lifeline 24/7 - FREEphone 0808 808 8000 for confidential help and support.