Pledge to tackle loneliness

29 Jan 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Northumberland County Council and partner organisations have pledged to tackle loneliness and isolation in the county by working together to support those in need.
 
Loneliness and isolation have never been more apparent than in the last 10-months. Covid-19 and the need to ‘stay at home’ is a likely contributor to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation throughout Northumberland, making the issue even more pressing.
 
With that in mind, the county council, local voluntary centre services and public sector organisations have come together through a webinar to help shape the county’s response to loneliness.
 
Councillor Veronica Jones, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Wellbeing said: “We all can feel lonely from time to time, but everyone’s experience of loneliness will be different.

Some people can live their lives quite happily alone, but others will not feel that way and this is exactly why we need to talk about how they can access support, speak with people or simply have someone listen to them – make themselves feel heard.

We have some great support in our communities, and so many opportunities out there to do our very best for the people who live and work in them.”

The webinar which can be viewed online HERE features Olivia Field, Head of Health and Resilience Policy at the Red Cross, a panel of local experts discussing issues and solutions regarding loneliness for older people, children, those in rural settings and those with health conditions, as well as service users, those in volunteer roles and those in organisational roles.

Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director for Adult and Children’s services said: “Loneliness can have a huge effect on a anyone’s mental health and wellbeing, it can cause them to feel empty and alone so to know someone is there for them goes a long way in helping how they feel.
As we continue to feel the effects of the pandemic our community groups, volunteers and organisations are still committing to tackling loneliness and isolation which is amazing and we as a council couldn’t be more thankful for that.”

Learnings from the webinar and feedback from delegates will form the basis of the county council’s loneliness strategy - a long-term vision for tackling loneliness, outlining the challenges to tackling loneliness in Northumberland with solutions and initiatives to overcome these. 

If you, or anyone you know is struggling with loneliness as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, then the Northumberland Communities Together team can help. They can find support or put you in touch with local community groups or organisations who can help. 
 
Call 01670 620015 between 9am to 6pm, seven days a week or email NCT@northumberland.gov.uk  
 
If a group or organisation you are involved with is doing anything to address loneliness that you would like to share with us, please get in touch.
 
Have your say and feedback here.