Combatting loneliness
Schemes to help lonely adults this festive season
Age UK has stated that almost 1.5 million older people feel more lonely at Christmas than at any other time of year, and we know that there may be those in our community who feel this way. We’re in touch with some of our residents who may find themselves alone this year, but if you or someone you know is in a similar situation, please get in touch with us so we can offer support.
Several schemes, initiatives and activities are operating in and around Gravesend, Maidstone and Dartford (and wider in Kent), aiming to help ensure no one feels lonely this Christmas.
Reengage Community Christmas Call Companions
The charity Reengage aims to make life less lonely for thousands of older people yearly. They are again running their Community Christmas Call Companions Campaign this December, a free service for older people who want companionship or feel they would benefit from a friendly weekly phone call throughout December. To register for these phone calls, visit their website: www.reengage.org.uk/join-a-group/community-christmas-call-companions.
If you know of any older people in our community who may benefit from this, please assist them in signing up if they feel uncomfortable with computers.
River Church, The Feast at the Harbour
River Church is this year opening the doors to its new short-term community hub, ‘The Harbour’ this Christmas. They will offer free Christmas-themed activities, including family crafts, treasure hunts and carol singing. The hub will open on Saturdays between 10 am and 4 pm at The Harbour, St George’s Centre, Gravesend (opposite Sports Direct).
They are also launching their campaign ‘The Feast’, a community project that gifts a free Christmas dinner hamper to 1,000 people who may find themselves struggling this Christmas. They are partnering with eleven local primary schools that will refer families to The Feast. They will be sourcing content for the hampers from local high street businesses to ensure the local economy also benefits.