Major initiative to tackle loneliness and isolation

A new partnership has been set up to launch a major initiative to combat loneliness and social isolation in Shipston and the neighbouring villages. As a first step, it is surveying over 5,000 people to undercover the scale of the problems.  

Shipston SCAN, Shipston Medical Centre, Shipston Age Concern, VASA, Stratford Time Bank and the county, district and town councils are founder members of the Stour Partnership Against Social Isolation and Loneliness.  

Other organisations including local churches, Lions, Rotary and Warwickshire Older People's Forum are supporting the initiative.  

Speaking for the partnership, Trevor Russel, chair of Shipston SCAN, explained: "Social isolation and loneliness are as harmful to people's health as smoking and obesity.  

"By some estimates, nine million people in the country are lonely or socially isolated. These problems exist in every community - and the Stour area is no exception.  

"Working together, we intend to identify the scale of the problems here, look at ways of tackling them, obtain the funding and deliver solutions.  

"Actions will be community-led and community-wide. Shipston has done a terrific job in creating a dementia friendly community. We must do just as good a job with loneliness and social isolation".  

As a first step, the partnership is sending a questionnaire to every household in Shipston and nearby villages.  

Said Mr Russel: "We will be surveying at least 5,000 people - one of the most comprehensive surveys ever undertaken into these issues - to give ourselves a clear picture of the situation here.  

"Social isolation and loneliness are often hidden from or invisible within communities. It is vital therefore that everyone completes and returns the questionnaire."  

If anyone would like a copy of the questionnaire they can contact Mr Russel on 01608 662514 or basicallybooks@btinternet.com

The survey can be accessed online at shipstonmc.warwickshire.nhs.uk