Linking Lives UK is a national charity working to reduce loneliness and social isolation amongst older people. We achieve this through the development of befriending schemes and social events and activities which are set up in partnership with local churches and other agencies.
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Total raised so far £17,941
+ est. £994.00
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1Linking Lives UK exists to reduce loneliness and social isolation in the UK, particularly among older people. This is achieved by working with churches and Christian organisations to set up befriending schemes in local communities. Each scheme arranges for volunteers to visit or telephone those needing extra company and support on a weekly basis.
Benefits of befriending
This regular interaction providing 'quality time' leads to improved wellbeing, self-confidence and mood. Also, many volunteers benefit from involvement in local schemes as they discover often fascinating life stories and experiences from past generations. Recent examples of this mutual benefit include:
“You learn so much from each other. It enriches my life tremendously.”
“I have found a new friend”
“We both look forward to that phone call as we are able to talk about a wide range of topics”.
The loneliness epidemic
In 2021, a national report found that 79% of church leaders felt that loneliness was impacting local people 'much more' as a result of the pandemic - the most significant concern.
Over recent years, loneliness has become an increasing concern among health professional, government bodies and wider society. This is highlighted by recent statistics:
- The number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6. – a 49% increase in 10 years (Age UK 2018, 'All The Lonely People')
- Half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all (Age UK 2016, 'No-one should have no one')
We are determined to do all that we can to address these challenges that exist for so many people and believe that our model provides a crucial opportunity to achieve this on a local level.
Our role
As a national charity, our role is to build partnerships with local churches and Christian organisations exploring ways to address loneliness in their community. We provide the necessary training, documents, support and advice required to establish a well-run and effective befriending scheme as well as ongoing support and guidance to improve quality standards. In essence, we provide the toolkit required and our local partners provide volunteers and raise funds for their local work.
Supporting our work
Donations both large and small will have a significant impact on the lives of those for whom loneliness and social social isolation are a daily reality. Funds will contribute towards the costs of training coordinators and volunteers in their key roles to ensure safety and clarity of roles for all involved. We also develop regional support networks which enable us to provide effective support on a local level. All donations contribute towards our efforts to reach and support socially isolated older people across the UK.
