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Loneliness Awareness Week 2021

14th Jun 2021

Lets talk loneliness

It’s Loneliness Awareness Week, hosted by Marmalade Trust, an annual campaign that raises awareness of loneliness and gets people talking about it. Older people are prone to experiencing loneliness as they age and after a difficult year of lockdowns, social distancing, and restrictions, more of us are experiencing loneliness than ever.

 

 

Loneliness is a normal human emotion; it is simply a sign of wanting contact with people. It is not a personal failing and it’s important not to blame yourself for feeling this way.

Many people experiencing grief also have feelings of loneliness or isolation, amplified this year with Covid restrictions earlier this year leaving many unable to access the support they need from friends and family.

The long-term impact of loneliness is only beginning to be fully understood but we do know that loneliness is associated with depression, sleep problems, impaired cognitive health, heightened vascular resistance, hypertension, psychological stress and mental health problems.

Research by the Co-op and British Red Cross shows that 92% of people think a sense of community has a role to play in supporting people experiencing loneliness.

At Bridgewater Day Care in Golborne, we aim to fight back against loneliness in the community. We support our day care clients to build strong bonds and friendships with their peers, as well as with our friendly and compassionate Care & Support Team.

Bridgewater Day Care Centre offers a safe community space in which to have fun, try a new activity, reminisce with friends, or simply sit back and enjoy being part of the lovely atmosphere. Many of our clients simply enjoy sitting with a cup of tea, enjoying the opportunity to be amongst company.

Our clients can enjoy sitting down and eating a hot meal of their choice together at lunchtime. Communal eating increases social bonding and feelings of wellbeing, as well as enhancing a sense of contentedness and belonging within the community. Our well-trained staff are able to assist with any personal needs so that everyone is included in sitting down for a meal together.

Our clients enjoy a wide variety of activities which include:

Singing and music

Arts and crafts

Games & enjoying the outdoor space

 

Large Cinema Screen /Movies

Themed Activities

Gentle Exercise

 

TESTIMONIALS

We also wanted to share these two lovely testimonials.

The first one is from the husband of one of our client’s during lockdown last year, which demonstrates just how much of a lifeline our day care centre is to many of our clients,

“I would like to thank all your staff for all the help they have given to my wife Sheila, it is of grave importance to me, that I know Sheila is being looked after so well. While we were in lockdown and the Central Day Centre , where Sheila was going too closed,( run by Wigan Council) Sheila became very unsettled at home; Sheila was very tired all the time and I found it very hard to entertain her and keep her active. When I found out that Bridgewater was still open, I asked if I could bring Sheila to Bridgewater Day Care. The improvement in Sheila’s health and mind were noticeable within the first week. Sheila has now been going to Bridgewater Day Care for the last four months, I am dreading that the Council might ask Bridgewater to close due to the Covid, I don’t want to be back in a situation where I am having to take Sheila shopping with me and putting her health at risk when I know I can take Sheila to a safe haven like Bridgewater Day Care and get on with the tasks of cleaning and shopping knowing Sheila is being well looked after. Being a carer 24/7 with no lifeline takes its toll out on me, I take Sheila to the Day Centre 3 times a week, it is the only respite I have and I would be totally lost without the help of Bridgewater Day Care.”

The second one was from the daughter of one of our lovely clients, in October last year,

“Aside from her family and faith, the one thing my Mum always talks about is the care, companionship and stimulation she gets from attending the Day Centre…”


Other useful support information  :
Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/…/loneliness/about-loneliness/ 
Marmalade Trust:  https://www.marmaladetrust.org/lonelinessguide
The Good Grief Trust. – The UK’s umbrella charity bringing over 800 support services together under one database. Run by the bereaved for the bereaved, offering early signposting to a choice of tailored help: 0800 2600 400, 10 am – 4 pm Mon – Fri.
Local help and support is also available for unpaid carers from the Wigan & Leigh Carers Centre: 01942 705959.

 

The Day Care Centre is open from 10 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday and we are currently welcoming new clients.

If you would like to know more about Bridgewater Day Care Centre in Golborne or to discuss the activities and support that we can provide for your loved one, please contact us by phone at 01942 723 115 or email info@bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk.

Services – Bridgewater Day Care