Mental Health Awareness Week 2022
Its Mental Health Awareness Week and this years theme is loneliness
Feelings of loneliness increased significantly during the Coronavirus pandemic, having a detrimental impact on millions. The Mental Health Foundations research found that 1 in 4 UK adults feel lonely some or all of the time. Feeing lonely and isolated can have a negative impact on our health leading to low mood, stress, anxiety and a lack of confidence. That is why here at the Link we are aiming to inject as much fun and connection back into people's lives.
The Mental Health Foundation's research also found that 76% of people often feel ashamed or embarrassed about feeling lonely. We want to help to break down this stigma by encouraging you to talk to your families, friends, and neighbours about your experiences with loneliness. Remember any one of us can feel lonely, always reach out if you are struggling with feelings of loneliness.
Here at 8 things the Link are doing to combat loneliness in the Wokingham Borough:
1. 1:1 Befriending
Our volunteers give a couple of hours of their time once a week or fortnight, to visit one of our link friends to provide some company, have a friendly chat and maybe a cup of tea!
2. Telephone Buddy Scheme
Introduced during the pandemic our telephone buddy scheme provides older people in our community the opportunity to have some company and connect over the phone with one of our volunteers.
3. Link online
Link Online allows our Link friends to learn how to connect with friends and family over the internet using email and Zoom, for example.
4. The Friendship Alliance
The Link Visiting Scheme is part of an initiative in the Wokingham Borough partnered with Age UK Berkshire, Involve Community Services, and the Wokingham Volunteer Centre. Anyone is welcome to pop along to a friendship café to meet new people, make friends, and have a coffee and a cake!
5. Volunteer events
As well as supporting our Link Friends we love for our volunteers to get to know each other. We hold volunteer information evenings, regular coffee meet-ups as well as quiz nights!
6. Link to Nature
For those with an interest in reconnecting with nature we provide a seasonal programme of nature-based activities which improves wellbeing as well as physical health.
7. Friendship Groups
We help to organise Link Friends with similar interests to get together, for example, we have walking, Bridge, and coffee groups.
8. Activities
The easing of Covid restrictions meant we have started to run our popular activities programme again including: Pie’n’Pint, singalong, active minds and bowls. We are also hosting a Jubilee themed summer party! All of which could not be done without the support of our amazing volunteers.
To find out more about The Mental Health Foundations loneliness campaign click here
#IveBeenThere
If you know anyone who is feeling lonely and in need of support, please click here to fill in our referral form.
Likewise, if you would like to get involved with the Link and volunteer, please click here