Our Loneliness Prevention Project receives 'North West Football Awards' Nomination

With great pleasure, we would like to bring your attention towards our Loneliness Prevention Project (LPP) for receiving a nomination for the 'Community Initiative of the Season' Award at the 'North West Football Awards'.

Our LPP - funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Card Factory Foundation - focuses on combatting social isolation and loneliness for older adults, primarily over the age of 65; through group sessions and / or one-to-one support.

There are very few things guaranteed in life, but unfortunately, ageing is one of them. As you grow older those around you may pass on or your younger family may move on with their own lives - so, who is there for you? Who is there to pop round for a brew, to share news with after a good day, to go out to dinner with or just go for a walk?

A problem that your Mum or Dad, Grandma or Grandad, Uncle or Aunty, your old school teacher or former colleague at work, may be facing right now.

AFC Fylde Community Foundation host multiple different group projects all across Fylde, ranging from Lytham St. Anne's, Kirkham, Weeton and Staining.

This provides older people with the opportunity to get out of the house, meet like-minded people, socialise and gives them something to look forward to each week.

Our LPP Co-ordinator, Bernadette Kunna - alongside running all these groups - offers one-to-one

support for those who struggle more than others, or may not be able to leave their homes for reasons beyond their control.

Speaking to some of our participants from Kirkham Companions, they explained why they benefit from the sessions: "I come for the camaraderie, the welcome and friendliness of everyone here. 

"We all help one another, we don’t just come so we can be helped, we do it for everyone. We are getting rid of loneliness, quietly.  It’s good to be able to share your opinions and feelings with others here and I like the fact that everyone is willing to get involved and participate in the activities.

"This keeps you young at heart…sometimes when people retire and they have certain illnesses and they can’t do certain things anymore they think that’s it, that’s the end - this shows what we are capable of doing, and it helps everyone."

Another participant said: "I would have just fallen by the wayside last year, as I couldn’t get out and thought what’s going to happen? Where am I going to be  - you can only rely on your neighbours for so much - now look at me."

We asked some of the older adults why they keep coming back and their reasoning was: "Friendship, friends, nattering and people on the same wavelength.  It gives you a lift. There is always something different going on when we come.

"I forget sometimes that it isn’t compulsory, but I feel like I would be letting people down if I don’t come.  It’s not just about what I get from the group but also what we give each other.

"I’m going to help deliver an art session with one of the primary school’s next week who are due to visit,  I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do this anywhere else."

The Foundation often provides the opportunity for intergenerational relationships, working closely with Medlar-with-Wesham Church of England Primary School to help offer the children with an insight into adult life.

Everyone at the Foundation would like to wish the participants, Bernadette and the rest of our Community team who contribute, a huge congratulations! A huge thank you also belongs to The National Lottery Community Fund and Card Factory Foundation.