Pendle News Room

Pendle Community Safety Partnership is supporting Loneliness Awareness Week which runs from 15 – 19 June.

Hosted by charity the Marmalade Trust, the Week aims to help everyone to understand loneliness so that they can take steps to deal with it.

Councillor David Whipp, Chairman of Pendle Community Safety Partnership, said:  “You don’t have to be on your own to feel lonely.

“You might feel lonely in a relationship or while spending time with friends or family – especially if you don't feel understood or cared for by the people around you.”

He explained that most of us will experience loneliness at some point in our lives, regardless of age, circumstance and background.

It’s a common misconception that loneliness is limited to older people. In fact, it’s now the 16-24 year olds who are the loneliest age group in the UK.

There are lots of things we can do to help ourselves and others, including:

• send a letter or postcard to someone isolating by themselves
• share your experiences of loneliness on social media
• arrange to watch a film at the same time as a friend and video call
• ·organise a weekly video call with friends or family
• pick up the phone and call or text a friend
• arrange a video call with someone you haven’t seen for a while
• start or join a virtual book club, film club or pub quiz.

Pendle Community Support Hub is available for the borough’s residents who don’t have a network of friends or family nearby to help.

Practical support includes help with social isolation and loneliness, shopping, dog walking, collecting prescriptions plus financial and debt advice.

Residents can call the Hub on (01282) 661743, Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm, to speak to someone about the support they need.

And there are lots of resources on the website – www.pendle.gov.uk/communitysupporthub  which can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Councillor Whipp added: “Volunteering is a great way to meet people and help others who may be isolating or shielding during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our Lancashire brings groups and communities together and it’s easy to find a group near you or even create a new one.

“You can do this via their website www.ourlancashire.org.uk or by calling 01772 416417.

“And Burnley Pendle and Rossendale CVS provide lots of opportunities for you to volunteer or they can help you access activities and services.

“Contact the CVS Centre on 01282 433740, email info@bprcvs.co.uk or have a look at the website – www.bprcvs.co.uk for more information.”