Social Isolation and Loneliness

Addressing social isolation and loneliness requires a whole-system approach involving multi-agency partners such as the Local Authority, NHS, and voluntary sector. Partners from across the Borough have set up a Social Isolation and Loneliness Working Group that has oversight, strategic direction, ad coordination of activities to help reduce the impact of social isolation and loneliness.  

There is already some excellent work happening across the Borough to tackle social isolation and loneliness, for example: 

• Community Spaces Scheme 

• Warm Welcome Social Sessions 

• Activity Co-ordinator Network  

• Red Balloons Walk & Talk Groups  

• Stockton-on-Tees Adults Carers' Support Service and Eastern Ravens Trust 

• Phone check-in service (led by Catalyst and Toob) 

"Thanks to the previous Community Spaces funding, we have been able to extend the Vine Café to two sessions per week. This has allowed more members of the community to access out welcoming, inclusive space, particularly those who may be experiencing social isolation and loneliness. The additional sessions have provided greater flexibility for people with different schedules and increased capacity to host volunteers, pop-up session with local organisations, and intergenerational activities. As a result, the funding has directly supported stronger community connections, increased participation, ad a greater sense of belonging among attendees" - Teesside Vineyard Church 

We know that there is still a lot of work to be done! For example, engaging with at-risk groups is a priority for the working group, as well are raising awareness of social isolation and loneliness among residents and colleagues across the health and social care sector. We also know that we need to improve how we work together, and the creation of the Working Group was the first step to better integrated working.