King’s Lynn 8:56 Foundation Lynn News’ charity of the year combats loneliness through sports activities
One of the key aims of the 8:56 Foundation is to reduce the risk of lonliness and isolation through sport.
National Loneliness Awareness Week is dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness and creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends or colleagues.
A spokesperson at the Marmalade Trust, who are responsible for the week, said: “Loneliness is a natural human emotion and we are hardwired to need social connections.
“By talking about it, we can support ourselves and others”
The main theme is #LetsTalkLonliness and from recent studies it can have an impact in a number of areas including a likelihood to increase the risk death by up to 26%, obesity, depression or dementia in later life.
Loneliness has an impact across all age groups, with 16-29 year olds twice as likely to feel loneliness compared to those aged over 70, but half a million older people also say they without seeing or speaking to anyone five days a week.
The Foundation has a number of initiatives to help reduce this risk.
Men’s Time Socials are aimed at getting men together through sport.
Marshland Archers hosted a session on Saturday and we will be holding a fishing session at Docking Angling Club tomorrow.
We also have TEAM856 running group community which provides a support network raising awareness about men’s mental health and our recent addition of the 8:56 Social Cricket XI, again bringing Men together through a social sporting activity to reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness.
The borough council’s Lily team have been raising awareness this week which will culminate at The Place on Saturday to offer support and advice alongside a number of other groups between 10am and 3pm.
They also have the Lily online directory which is available to everyone, listing organisations, services and activities that help improve mental wellbeing, combat loneliness and social isolation in adults of all ages.
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