Eleven Brent charities have launched a campaign to raise awareness of loneliness and community activities across Brent. The Together in Brent campaign promotes the Jo Cox Great Get Together on June 22nd and the following week, as a Borough-wide Open Day. It encourages residents to try out one activity and discover what’s in their local area and to volunteer to help tackle loneliness.
There are over 1,000 social activities where you can meet people in Brent. From singing, exercise, drawing, crafts, volunteering, lunch clubs, computer classes to the more unusual such as acting or fixing electronics.
The campaign includes a free arts exhibition exploring isolation, Peeking Through Windows. This tells stories from across the borough through original art pieces, sculpture, dance, photography and video.
Loneliness affects people of all ages. It’s a deeply personal issue people can’t easily talk about and yet so important that the Government created a new Minister for Loneliness this year. There is a range of specialist support locally in Brent for people experiencing emotional distress, carers, older people and others. There are also projects that help build confidence and can even accompany you to an activity the first few times to help settle in, understanding that it’s not easy to go to a new place and meet new people.
Peeking Through Windows is open to all, on Thursday 21st June, 12-2pm at the Yellow Pavilion, Wembley[M1] Park, HA9 0EG. To find out about activities in your area, support and volunteering phone 0741 531 5998, email togetherinbrent@cvsbrent.org.uk or join the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/togetherinbrent/ or follow on twitter @togetherinbrent
The charities involved are: Age UK Brent, Ashford Place, Brent Carers Centre, Brent Community Transport, Brent Mencap, British Red Cross, CVS Brent through the Social Involvement in Brent Initiative (SIBI), Elders Voice, Hestia, Linking Lives, Youth With A Mission
1 comment:
In an ideal Brent,
no one should really feel 'lonely' because there are so many people (perhaps too much!!!) to fill the need for friendship etc.
I wonder if the 'loneliness' is really a reflection of widespread unfriendliness in Brent?
I also wonder if it is a reluctance to talk to strangers rather than just the people we are familiar with?
I tend to be reserved and not the kind to reach out to all and sundry but if I am approached in the right way I am willing to converse with strangers and if possible fill the need for companionship even though I must say that I do prefer my own company when I am at home.
I am assuming that this new campaign is aimed at elderly people because they are more likely to be housebound due to their age and health and are more likely to feel lonely and even depressed than those of a younger age?
I hope that this campaign will bear good and lasting fruit although time as always will tell.
Post a Comment