Bringing people together during Loneliness Awareness Week

This Loneliness Awareness Week, we are shining a light on Connect – a United Welsh project helping to reduce loneliness and bring people together.

Connect supports older residents living in our Living Well schemes to feel more connected, confident and part of their community. Each month, more than 200 residents take part in a wide range of activities, including coffee mornings, social clubs, digital skills sessions and wellbeing activities.

The project is not just about activities – it’s about reducing loneliness and improving wellbeing.

Volunteers also play a vital role, with more than 70 helping deliver activities for residents.

Tony Kelly, 82, started volunteering with Connect to meet new people after moving to Wesley House in Ebbw Vale.

He volunteers at several of the activities including bingo and quizzes, and says the project has helped him to combat loneliness, as well as helping the residents taking part.

Tony said: “It’s a bit like having a job, but a rewarding job.

“I don’t get paid for it but I do get paid for it by the satisfaction it brings.

“When I see that people are enjoying the activities and I’ve helped them in some way, it gives you a real sense of satisfaction.

“I enjoy it, it feels like I am a part of something and not just sitting in my room watching television.”

Connect is run by a growing network of volunteers and community partners, delivering around 150 activities each month.

The project provides residents with regular opportunities to socialise and aims to help residents build friendships and confidence over time.

Siân Evans, Living Well Manager at United Welsh, said: “The aim of Connect is to help residents form connections with people and the communities where they live.

“Taking a proactive approach helps to prevent social isolation and loneliness, while also building stronger, healthier communities.

“We’re proud Connect is having such a positive impact for our residents and the wider community too.”

Loneliness Awareness Week runs from June 15th until June 21st.