‘I know what it’s like to feel alone’: Conference to help spot and tackle loneliness

Picture by Adrian Swancar

By Simon Bristow

A conference based on how to prevent and respond to loneliness will be held in Hull on Friday.

Hull CVS are teaming up with partners across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) to shine a light on loneliness at the Be Connected Loneliness Conference at the Canham Turner Building at the University of Hull.

The organisation describes it as “an essential event with loneliness impacting both physical and mental health and ultimately affecting everyone over the course of their lives”.

It will bring together like-minded staff and volunteers to explore the factors that lead to loneliness and some of the solutions to the issue being delivered by VCSE groups in our area.

The conference will include:

• The faces of loneliness – experts of experience who have been affected by loneliness will share their stories and support received

• Inspirational speaker Steve Judge (who has an “amazing story”) will help delegates imagine a different approach to tackling loneliness

• A showcase of the work being undertaken to tackle loneliness in Hull

• Support in spotting the signs of loneliness

• A Q&A Session with experts

• A workshop choice

• A networking lunch

Matt Wright, head of community development at Hull CVS, said: “I have been impacted by loneliness on a personal level and have seen first-hand how chronic loneliness can destroy lives.

“With this insight I have helped to develop this conference with like-minded organisations who are equally passionate about tackling low level loneliness and help to ensure that people get the support and social connection they need to live happy and fulfilling lives.

“We hope we can set a vision for the region in how we respond together to tackle loneliness and how we can spot its signs more quickly to prevent situations escalating for those suffering.

“It is only through this joined approach that we can hope to tackle the societal issues that are linked to it and ultimately reduce the demands it places on social, health and safety crisis services.”

The conference has been funded by UK Government through the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund that aims to increase volunteering and tackling loneliness.

You can find out more about the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund and other funded activities in Hull here.