Loneliness

A NEW film that highlights the relationship between those who are struggling to buy food and loneliness is being screened for the first time, following research by the University of Sheffield.

LONELINESS is set to become a “major public health concern” if isolation among the soaring numbers of over 50s is not addressed, Age UK has said in a major new report.

TO some people, they are the hiccups in life that bring you down, but with time, you overcome them.

SPORTS enthusiasts affected by loneliness and dementia can find friendship and support at two new weekly groups.

Just a few miles away, Dunswell has experienced a similar change to Cherry Burton, but on a grander scale. It has seen
the most rapid increase in over-65s in Yorkshire – rising from four per cent to 30 per cent of the population in the past 30 years.

IN the 1960s, Cherry Burton near Beverley was a village on the up. New housing estates saw families flock in, filling the village schools, populating youth clubs and creating a community where people wanted to stay.

THE VOICES of older people need to be heard at the highest level of policy making, the Yorkshire MP at the head of parliament’s group on ageing has said.

IT COULD be re-thinking the length of time it takes for an older person to cross a road, or specifically designing public spaces to that people have more opportunities to simply bump into each other.

IN HIS youth, Leeds businessman Mike Day would accompany his father on day trips, concerts and meals he’d organised for older people who were lonely or isolated - and this Christmas, he will “carry on the baton” and build on his legacy by arranging a Christmas meal for elderly people in Leeds.

CHARITIES and community groups can now apply for up to £100,000 from a £9m fund set up to tackle loneliness.

IT has become almost cliché - the image of an older man, finding solace in his shed. But new research has found that community spaces for men, Men’s Sheds, can boost attendees’ emotional and physical health - and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

CHARITIES and community groups are to receive support to help lonely and isolated people from a new £20m fund that will build on the legacy of murdered Batley MP Jo Cox.

THERAPEUTIC dance and music sessions will be brought into care home in an effort to reduce the loneliness and social isolation felt by residents.

After 35 years in a career she loved so much that it “felt more like a hobby”, Annie Stirk was a reluctant retiree.

VOLUNTEERING projects in Hull and North Yorkshire are to benefit from a new £2.7m government fund aimed at boosting community connections and reducing social isolation.

Janet Wallcraft feared she'd never have a "happy ending" after finding herself intensely lonely after returning to Yorkshire after decades away in 2014.

ITS aim was simple - offer the people of Leeds living in the shadows of loneliness their time to shine.