Community Initiatives Address Loneliness in Staffordshire

Projects in Staffordshire are facilitating social connections for individuals experiencing isolation during the Christmas season, offering opportunities that others often experience as routine. Among these is a Christmas coffee morning held at Middleport Matters Community Trust, which is one of 19 such gatherings organized by BBC Radio Stoke across Staffordshire and Cheshire. A report prepared for Staffordshire County Council has revealed that older individuals experiencing increased isolation are three-and-a-half times more likely to necessitate state-funded residential care. In response, the council’s “Let’s Beat Loneliness Together” initiative is designed to decrease self-reported loneliness by 25% over a three-year period. June Horvath, a participant at Middleport Matters, was observed with a game of dominos, cake, and a chocolate selection box positioned on her table. When asked “what’s it like to be socialising with people?”, her smiling reply was “Delightful”. She further commented: “This means a lot to me. I have different people here that support me, like Paul, who takes me back home. “They’re all good to me and I really enjoy it because it’s different.” The individual referred to as Paul is Paul Wilson, who also attends the coffee morning. The two met at Middleport Matters when Mr. Wilson sought assistance for depression. Mr. Wilson, who provides care for his mother diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, remarked: “When people are down, they are down, but when they’re up, they’re up. Coming here, we enjoy ourselves.” Charities have expressed concern that social isolation remains prevalent within communities, notwithstanding the passage of several years since the mandatory distancing measures of the Covid pandemic. Vicky Gwynne, operations manager at Middleport Matters, stated that certain visitors had journeyed from relatively distant areas within the county “to avoid loneliness”. She further explained: “Some don’t have family close by and Christmas can be a lonelier time. The need has increased specifically since Covid.” The Port Vale FC Foundation, which serves as the football club’s community division situated on Hamil Road in Burslem, has prioritized the development of new friendships. Approximately 100 individuals, comprising older supporters, carers assisting relatives with dementia, and volunteers, participated in a shared lunch, a game of bingo, and a singalong featuring Elvis. This group identifies itself as the Golden Valiants, a designation for those over 50. David Mason, a carer who attends with his mother, stated: “We come here every Thursday. It’s the only real opportunity she has to come out.” His mother has recently received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He added: “It’s really hard to get her to come out, but we know it helps. This club has given her something to look forward to.” Neil Crump of the foundation noted the club’s capacity to unite individuals across all age groups. He brought his own parents to participate in the activities and trips following the pandemic. Crump commented: “It brings home how much people are isolated, yet they do want to meet people and get out of the house and just sing a few songs. It builds up confidence again.” He concluded: “It’s that simple, but I think it’s missing from society a bit.” Readers can follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC does not assume responsibility for the content of external sites. Further information on the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.