Loneliness appeal
There are over 16,000 older people experiencing loneliness in West Sussex, Brighton & Hove.
“When you get to a certain age...you feel like you no longer belong...I very much feel loneliness."
Loneliness is harmful to both our physical and mental wellbeing, in fact it has been found to be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
People who feel lonely are at an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, depression and more than twice as likely to develop dementia.
Too many older people are lonely or isolated in our communities, some spending days without having anyone to talk to.
Our local services combat loneliness in local older people by enabling them to:
- Stay independent and get out and about
- Connect to their local community
- Try new things and develop new routines
- Build relationships and make new friends
Read James' story
“I lost my wife 6 years ago and before that I had two roles, I was a husband and her carer. It was a 24/7 role but when she died, it all suddenly stopped. After I’d sorted the formalities and the funeral, I was left on my own.
The only people I really knew was one friend, who I would visit occasionally, plus my stepchildren and grandkids. Life was boring and repetitive, and the highlight of my day was often mealtimes, or on occasion going to sit with my friend Ann.
I was pretty lonely. To help, I got a cat, who meows at me when I talk to her and I used to sit out in my front garden, just to see people. It took the edge off being alone, but I still missed people.”
Until James was put in touch with Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove after a short stay in hospital.
“I said I just want to go somewhere where I can meet people, have a chat, a laugh and a joke. My only visitors were family and I missed having friendships.
Emma, from Age UK WSBH got in touch, and suggested I try a coffee group and a men’s group. I was a bit nervous about turning up to these when I didn’t know anyone, so Emma offered to go with me. We went in together and she introduced me to everyone. I remember enjoying that first meeting so much, I couldn’t wait for the next one. I haven’t missed one since! I’ve got to know a lot of people now and I love going.
Emma continued suggesting options for me and now I have quite a busy social life which includes a keep fit class and various social groups.
I feel a lot happier and know lots more people. I’ve got a purpose in life again, these things I do are the new highlights of my week.”
Your kindness can change lives and support people like James
- £20 could cover the cost of ten calls to our free advice line, providing lonely older people with someone to talk to and information on local activities
- £42 could cover the cost of a befriending volunteer to visit an isolated older person for a month
- £80 could cover the travel costs of a group of older people to travel to and from our centres, getting them out and reducing their isolation
- £250 could support a ‘Cake & Connect’ community pop up event for 10-15 isolated older people providing information on services and creating local connections and friendships for those in more rural communities and who may struggle to travel
If you believe no older person should have to feel alone then please donate today.