Shropshire premiere for new film on loneliness

An international documentary about the epidemic of loneliness will have its United Kingdom premiere on Sunday 4 December at the Old Market Hall cinema in Shrewsbury.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin will be hosting the premiere of All the Lonely People, which highlights personal stories about the challenges of living in a remote area, and explores the paths people are taking to alleviate loneliness, what organisations and professionals have to offer, and how communities are responding.

Producers Joseph Applebaum and Stu Maddux first became aware of loneliness experienced in the largely rural county of Shropshire when, through contacts in England, they heard of the help offered by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Council.

‘We felt Shropshire had people from many different walks of life challenged by this hidden pandemic of loneliness, but also many organisations that are discovering solutions,’ said Joe.

‘We are discovering that many audiences around the world see this unique area of Shropshire as actually very similar to their own neck of the woods in many ways.’

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford and Wrekin said: ‘Researchers say loneliness can be as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s believed the added stress of feeling alone can also increase the risk of heart disease and the onset of dementia.’

Heather added: ‘It’s been a privilege to work with renowned film-makers to shine a light on the enduring problem of isolation and loneliness in our society and to have so much of the film shot in Shropshire has been a real thrill.’

Cast and crew as well as staff, volunteers and clients of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin along with representatives of partner organisations and local dignitaries will attend the premiere. There will be public screenings of the film on 5-8 December at the Old Market Hall cinema in The Square, Shrewsbury.