CCB helping to tackle Loneliness and Isolation in rural Berkshire

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CCB’s function as a rural community development charity means that much of our work is about developing and maintaining connections within communities. This community development principle is central to the theme of loneliness and isolation.

Plenty of research exists into the causes of loneliness and ways of reducing its impact. We know that people of all ages can feel lonely at times, even when surrounded by people. This is a priority issue for Government, and large sections of the voluntary sector are, and always have been, working to support people of all ages impacted by loneliness.

We have seen research that suggests certain characteristics of communities that can increase or decrease the likelihood of loneliness. This is something we are interested in testing out. We are looking at this research and the statistical data behind it. We are developing an understanding of the indicators that, in combination, might suggest higher or lower levels of loneliness than elsewhere.

CCB is currently working on a project focusing on loneliness and isolation in rural communities, using grant funding from the Dunhill Medical Trust and a generous donation from Redwood Technologies via the Berkshire Community Foundation. The project involves some mapping work in rural Berkshire to compare the areas where this data suggests differences in the likelihood of people feeling lonely, and will work with these communities to understand if people’s experiences match what the data suggests.

We are also looking at the kinds of activities, groups and opportunities for social interaction that are particularly effective at reducing the risk of loneliness, and will provide advice and guidance to any community interested in broadening the range of social activities available to people there. However, first and foremost we want to maximize the impact of the wide range of activities, services and support that already exist. Publicity and referral can ensure widespread awareness of what already takes place and helps to avoid duplicated effort and wasted resources.

The three principles behind our work on the theme of loneliness and isolation are as follows.
1. Ensure the sustainability of existing provision through appropriate referral and publicity activities
2. Support communities that are interested in better understanding existing demand, current provision and unmet need
3. When faced with the opportunity to set up something new, be creative and seek inspiration from other communities near and far

These principles will be set out at the forthcoming Loneliness and Isolation Conference being hosted by Richard Benyon MP in Newbury on the 8th February. We would like to encourage others to follow these principles. We also want to offer support to any rural community interested in exploring this topic and are always open to speaking with organisations from all sectors interested in working with us.

Village Halls Week: A celebration of rural communities

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National Charity Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and their 38 member organisations including Connecting Communities in Berkshire are running a week long campaign ( 22nd to 28th January) celebrate England’s 10,000 Village Halls.

Village Halls are an integral part of rural communities but are often overlooked. Think back over the years; birthday parties, christenings, weddings and funerals. Key moments in our lives – all treading the boards of our Village Halls.

This year we think about how Village Halls provide a space for communities to come together, something ever more pertinent with the rising number of people effected by loneliness.

Wokingham Without Parish Council, working in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council and Places Leisure, is establishing a ‘fit for life’ fitness class for local residents over 55, with a focus on those who’ve not exercised before, or are trying to get back into fitness. There’s also a strong emphasis on promoting good mental health, with a social / interaction element, as the class will be followed by an opportunity for a tea / coffee and a healthy snack, and a chance to meet and get to know the other participants and make new friends.  

Free trial session on Wednesday 23rd January then; £3 per week for 12 weeks. 10.45 am – 12.15 pm  St Sebastian’s Memorial Hall, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, RG40 3BA

Rural communities in particular are seeing diminishing services and social areas, such as the closing of pubs and shops. When these community spaces disappear, it becomes harder to connect, meet new people and have that much needed interaction.

ACRE and Connecting Communities in Berkshire believe Village Halls play a huge part in tackling these issues, for example providing community shops and pop up pubs where there are none, as well as social groups for older and younger people alike.

From the 22 January to the 28 January 2019, every county will see a series of events to bring people together and celebrate these crucial rural spaces. The campaign is supported by Defra with an appearance in the week from Lord Gardiner of Kimble.

Events include performances from Ian McMillan, renowned poet and broadcaster and children’s author and illustrator Steve Antony.

In addition, the NRTF has commissioned stand-up poet Kate Fox to write and perform a piece celebrating village halls.

For a full list of events visit the ACRE Website: www.acre.org.uk

West Berkshire Therapy Centre’s Welsh Male Voice Choir Charity Night

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Tickets are now on sale for the South Wales Male Choir Grand Charity Night, to be held in St Nicolas Church, Newbury, on 2nd March 2019.

Tickets are priced at £15 each. Proceeds from the evening will be distributed to local charities by the organisers, Rotary Club of Newbury. West Berkshire Therapy Centre will be one of the main beneficiaries. To purchase tickets please either visit the Corn Exchange or use the link https://cornexchangenew.com/event/sounds-of-wales

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions. Thank you for your interest and support,

Local projects supporting women and girls receive share of £3.4 million national funding

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Five Berkshire projects working with some of society’s most vulnerable women and girls have received a much-needed funding boost from the Berkshire Community Foundation.

Local charities and community groups have received grants of £5,000 to £10,000 from the Tampon Tax Community Fund to work with women of all ages, focussing on preventative services for those at risk of crisis.

Projects receiving funding will help women and girls get into or back work, build skills and confidence and improve health and wellbeing. Examples of some of the projects being funded are:

  • Smart Works in Reading who will use the funding the get vulnerable women back into work.
  • Reading Community Learning Centre will use the grant to provide Targeted outreach activities, learning programmes and advice and guidance to its increasing members.
  • Berkshire Women’s Aid will run various sessions to support women who have been affected by abuse.
  • The Dash Charity will use the grant to fund its Domestic Abuse Helpline, a vital service at risk of closure without this type of funding.
  • Parents and Children Together (PACT) will use funding to meet the increasing demand for its Rapid response and crisis service at Alana House in Reading.

This funding is a result of UK Community Foundations, one of the UK’s largest grant-giving organisations, being asked by government to distribute the largest share of the funding raised through the levy on sanitary products in 2017/18 to small, local projects, working with its network of Community Foundations across the country.

UKCF Director of Programmes and Development Vicki Papworth said:

“Community Foundations work with grassroots groups who are running vital services on a shoestring and supporting some of the most marginalised people in our society. This funding will enable them to run some amazing projects that make difference on the ground to the women and girls who need it most.”

Community Foundations across the country were oversubscribed for the Tampon Tax Community Fund. Only a quarter of the 1,500 applications for vital women and girls projects could be supported from this stream of funding.

Community Foundations are independent charities that make grants to support grassroots groups. They work with local businesses, funders and government to create tailored programmes of grant-making that respond to the needs and assets of communities. They also distribute funding secured through national programmes, including the Tampon Tax Community Fund.

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