Make a Difference

 

Isolation and Loneliness can be experienced by anyone, anywhere; from remote communities to the centre of metropolises. The impacts are only now becoming known (JRF, 2013).

For example:

• Increased risk of depression
• 64% increased risk of developing clinical dementia
• Increased risk of high blood pressure
• An equivalent risk factor for early mortality to smoking 15 cigarettes a day
• A greater impact than other risk factors such as physical inactivity and obesity


And lonely people:

• Are vulnerable to alcohol problems
• Eat less well – they are less likely to eat fruit and vegetables
• Are more likely to be smokers and more likely to be overweight
• Are less likely to engage in physical activity and exercise.

So what can we all do?

• Think about people in our local community who may be lonely, for any reason, and think what and how we can make a difference to their lives
• Lead by example and encourage others to do so too
• Contact us to let us know if you’re interested in attending a training session, designed to explore the role we can each play within our communities to reduce loneliness, isolation and stigma

Further information and research:

• Deprivation and Social Exclusion in Shetland
• Poverty Is Bad - Let's Fix It!
• Kinder Communities
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation