Recognising innovative work to tackle loneliness

An awards ceremony will celebrate the outstanding work of groups and individuals to tackle loneliness and isolation in the borough.

Nominations are sought for the council’s Living Well Living Better Awards which will be held in June.

Rossendale was one of the local authorities chosen by the Government in 2016 to receive funding to pilot new ways of improving the health and wellbeing of local communities.

The council set up a partnership which chose to focus on the issues of isolation and loneliness, establishing the Living Well Living Better project.

Grants of up to £1,000 have been awarded by the project to 68 community groups and organisations to fund a range of activities such as toddler groups, luncheon clubs, tea dances, dementia friendly events, Christmas parties and even water skiing.

Churches, libraries, community associations and others have got involved and a group was also set up to promote volunteering in the borough.

Sam Plum, Director of Communities at Rossendale Council, said:

Feeling lonely or isolated can have a huge impact on someone’s mental and physical wellbeing. In fact according to research, being lonely is as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Using information from Lancashire County Council, we found that 1,100 people were experiencing loneliness and isolation in the Valley. But over the last three years it has become clear that there are many creative and dedicated people and groups in Rossendale who are committed to tackling the issue.

These awards are our opportunity to not only celebrate the success of the pilot project but to thank these often unsung heroes for their outstanding contribution.

Nominations are sought for Volunteer of the Year; Most Innovative Project; Group or Organisation of the Year, and lasting contribution to tackling the issue of loneliness and social isolation in Rossendale.

Nomination forms are here or available from PamelaBarmby@rossendalebc.gov.uk (01706 252531) or StephanieThornton@rossendalebc.gov.uk (01706 252404). The closing date is May 25.

Sam added:

Although the Living Well Living Better project is coming to an end, we hope that it will have a lasting impact and much of the good work will continue.