Loneliness Awareness Week and beyond
The Together Project is dedicated to combating social isolation during ‘Loneliness Awareness Week which runs from June 10 to June 16, and we’re joining organisations across the country in raising awareness about the impact of loneliness on individuals of all ages and promoting strategies for building connections and fostering community resilience.
Loneliness and social isolation are significant challenges facing people of all ages, but they can be particularly acute among older adults living in care homes. Research has shown that intergenerational interactions can play a vital role in alleviating loneliness and promoting wellbeing for all involved.
Random acts of connection
Loneliness can affect people of all ages. By recognising and acknowledging the moments we've felt lonely ourselves, we can start to see things differently. This acceptance helps us understand our feelings, learn how to manage loneliness, and build our social connections in the future. This year’s theme, ‘Random Acts of Connection,’ encourages everyone to create simple, everyday moments of connection that make us feel happier, less lonely, and more like we belong. Let's embrace these small acts and make a big difference together!
Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
Smile at a passerby and brighten their day
Make uninterrupted time for your loved ones
Bake a cake for a neighbour and share it over a cup of tea and a chat
Chat to someone new at the school gates
Give someone a sincere compliment
Get back in touch with an old friend you’ve not seen for a while
Share a favourite memory or experience from your friendship with someone
Working from home? Try exploring a co-working space to connect and meet others
Intergenerational connections
The Together Project's innovative intergenerational programmes, including Songs & Smiles and Crafting Connections, bring together young children, their grownups, and older adults in care homes/assisted living schemes to share joyful experiences and create meaningful connections across generations.
"We believe that everyone deserves to feel connected and valued, regardless of their age or circumstances," said Louise Goulden, Founder and CEO of The Together Project. "Loneliness doesn't discriminate, but neither should our efforts to combat it. Through our intergenerational programmes, we're bridging the gap between generations, fostering empathy and understanding, and building stronger, happier communities."
Join an intergenerational Songs & Smiles session locally
Joyful intergenerational music sessions: Songs & Smiles sessions are held in care homes and assisted living schemes across the country, bringing together little ones, their grown-ups, and older residents for interactive music and singing sessions designed to uplift spirits and promote social engagement.
Give 3 hits of happiness every month by signing up for Crafting Connections
Crafting Connections facilitates art and craft exchanges between children and older adults receiving care, providing opportunities for creative expression, skill-sharing, and meaningful connections.
Volunteer your time
Why not sign up to volunteer? At The Together Project, we’re looking for Song & Smiles Group Welcomers or if you have skills/expertise that you think could benefit The Together Project. We’d love to hear from you!
As part of our commitment to combating loneliness year-round, The Together Project will continue to expand its reach, develop new partnerships, and innovate its programmes to meet the evolving needs of communities across the UK.
What will you commit to do?
Let us know on social media and spread the word. We’d love to hear from you!