Hull CVS are teaming up with partners across the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to shine a light on loneliness at the Be Connected Loneliness Conference on Friday 10th November 2023.
What: Be Connected Loneliness Conference – Working together to tackle Loneliness
When: 9.30am – 4.30pm on Friday 10th November
Where: Canham Turner Building at the University of Hull.
This is an essential event with loneliness impacting both physical and mental health and ultimately affecting everyone over the course of their lives.
It will bring together likeminded individuals (staff and volunteers) to explore the factors that lead to loneliness and some of the amazing solutions to the wicked issue being delivered by VCSE groups in our area.
The conference will include:
- The faces of loneliness – experts of experience who have been effected by loneliness will share their stories and support received.
- Inspirational speaker Steve Judge (who has an amazing story) will help delegates to imagine a different approach to tackling loneliness.
- A showcase the work being undertaken to tackle loneliness in Hull.
- Support in spotting the signs of loneliness.
- A Q&A Session with experts from across the day.
- A workshop choice.
- A networking lunch.
The event places are FREE with up to 4 places at the event per organisation. We welcome volunteers attending the event, as they are often the people delivering support to those most impacted by loneliness (Full volunteer expenses will be paid). Register for a FREE place HERE.
Matt Wright, Head of Community Development at Hull CVS said: “I have been impacted by loneliness on a personal level and have seen first-hand how chronic loneliness can destroy lives. With this insight I have helped to develop this conference with likeminded organisations who are equally passionate about tackling low level loneliness and help to ensure that people get the support and social connection they need to live happy and fulfilling lives.
“We hope we can set a vision for the region in how we respond together to tackle loneliness and how we can spot its signs more quickly to prevent situations escalating for those suffering. It is only through this joined approach that we can hope to tackle the societal issues that are linked to it and ultimately reduce the demands it places on social, health and safety crisis services.”
The Conference has been funded by UK Government through the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund that aims to increase volunteering and tackling loneliness. For more information about the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund and other funded activities in Hull visit: https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/1-3-million-distributed-in-hull/
For more information about the conference email Hannah Meadway – hmeadway@hull-cvs.co.uk.
Background information
What is loneliness?
Loneliness is ‘a subjective, unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship. It happens when there is a mismatch between the quantity and quality of the social relationships that we have, and those that we want’ (A connected Society: A Strategy for Tackling Loneliness 2018).
Who can be affected by loneliness?
Loneliness can affect everyone and can range from transient (comes and goes) to chronic loneliness that can have a long term impact on physical and mental health.
But who is most affected?
According to the UK Government’s Talking Loneliness Strategy review, loneliness is higher for people who are:
- 16-24years old
- Femal
- Single or widowed
- Living with life limiting mental health conditions
- Renting
What factors can increase loneliness?
- Personal characteristics – Age (younger or older), marginalised ethnicity, sexuality or disability.
- Circumstance – living alone.
- Going through significant change – migration, becoming a carer, bereavement, a new baby, moving house or job, children leaving to university.
- Living in a certain area – social-economically disadvantaged communities.
What is the effect of loneliness?
The impact can be huge but a few stats include:
- Loneliness can increase the risk of early mortality by 26%
- Loneliness can put people at greater risk of poorer mental health, including depression.
- 62% of lonely young people say that ‘feeling lonely makes them lose confidence in themselves’. While loneliness in early adolescence is associated with lower educational attainment.
- Higher loneliness levels among employees is associated with poorer work performance and it is estimated that loneliness costs UK employers £2.5 billion a year, due to its impact on employee sickness, caring activity, productivity, and voluntary staff turnover.