More than 2,500 households in Peasedown St John are to receive invitations to village events, as part of an initiative to tackle loneliness and isolation in the area.
Organised and coordinated by the community’s Residents’ Association, the campaign is being sponsored by Nathan Hartley in response to the new national directive to reduce loneliness in the wake of the tragic death of MP Jo Cox.
Nathan said: “Research carried out last year by OnePoll and Bluebird Care showed that 1.3 million over 65 year olds spend at least 2 months alone, every year!
“18% of older people can go a whole week without seeing anyone, and half of over 75 year olds live alone.
“With the appointment of a new Minister for Loneliness, we’ll be doing all we can in Peasedown St John this year to ensure those that are lonely have plenty of opportunities to meet their neighbours, make new friends and attend community events.”
Invitations will start to be sent out this week, promoting two events:
- The weekly Wednesday afternoon Drop-In, 1-3pm. Serving free refreshments and free internet access, hosted by Tex and Mandy Clarke;
- The monthly Big Breakfast, held on the last Friday of every month, 10am-1pm, hosted by Joy Gosz and Rose Timperley. The next breakfast will be served on Friday 26th January.
Both Residents’ Association events are held at St John’s Close Community Room, St John’s Close, Peasedown St John BA2 8JG.
Nathan added: “We’ll soon be starting a new community growing space that local people can get involved with, which is very exciting!
“If anyone has any ideas for projects/initiatives that will help to tackle isolation this year in Peasedown St John, please email [email protected].”
