This campaign has now closed
We want to create connections to change lives, all through the simple power of friendship. No-one should be lonely when loneliness and isolation have a devastating impact on health with a 29% increased risk of death, as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. We’ll build confidence and well-being.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Loneliness and isolation are one of the greatest public health issues of our time yet 22,000 people in Brighton & Hove often or always feel lonely (ON2 2022 Survey). More people are isolated as they make choices of whether to heat, eat or go out. 76% of our members are 65+ and many face anxiety/mental health needs. People need support regaining skills after covid, gaining confidence in leaving the house, rebuilding physical strength, and re-establishing social connections. Our work is vital.
Solution
Everybody should have somebody. For 23 years we’ve run award winning befriending, social prescribing, and volunteering programmes. With partners we’ll organise home visits, social groups, activities/events lasting 30 minutes to a few hours. Socials will be at 4 locations across the city. One to one support could include falls and scams prevention, accompanying to medical appointments, meal sharing, therapeutic outdoor activities or DIY. We’ll work with 500+ volunteers giving 17,000 hours a year.
