Two-fifths of all older people, about 3.9 million say the television is their main company (Age UK, 2014). Over 9 million people in the UK say they are always or often lonely (British Red Cross and Co-Op, 2016). 63% of adults aged 52 or over who have been widowed, and 51% of this group who are separated or divorced report, feeling lonely some of the time or often (Beaumont, 2013).Loneliness increases the likelihood of mortality by 26% (Campaign to End Loneliness).
In 2018, Enfield Asian Welfare Association (EAWA) celebrated its 20th Year of working with the Elderly community. For their latest Social Hub Project, they want to find isolated older people and offer them a chance to meet with others within a Town Centre, to go shopping, have coffee, or a meal together and participate in activities. This will allow such people to connect and bring them back into community life, rather than being alone.
They will be approaching people from Sheltered Homes, Libraries, Coffee shops, Post Offices and similar places. Once groups are formed, they will find out from the groups what activities they prefer and offer opportunities accordingly.
They are currently fundraising for this project so that it becomes a reality.
To find out more about Enfield Asian Welfare Association visit www.eawa.org.uk
