Isolation and Loneliness
It seems that scarcely a week goes by when the local or national media are not expressing concern about isolation or loneliness in our society.
Loneliness can have a profound effect on our physical as well as mental health, highlighted by the World’s experience of COVID-19.
The UK government decided to act after the publication of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, a detailed study into the scale and extent of the problem. The Commission set up in her name after her death, was intended as a legacy of the power of politics to unite, rather than divide communities.
DEFINING ISOLATION AND LONELINESS
It is important to understand the difference between isolation and loneliness:
- ISOLATION is defined as the absence of social contact e.g. family, friends, access to services or community involvement. The concept is therefore tangible and measurable and can often lead to loneliness. Isolation can often be alleviated by practical steps: improved transport links, increased use of the internet and localisation of services and resources.
- LONELINESS is a subjective feeling when there is a disparity between quantity and quality of social relationships that we have and those we want.
RURAL CONTEXT
It is estimated that there are 15,000 rural churches in the UK. Although some have a small attendance, there remains a unique opportunity for churches to respond to issues of social isolation, as they often provide key community facilities and social interaction in rural communities.
In many rural areas, the only buildings available (if any) which enable local people to meet socially and/or provide community activities are pubs, village halls and church buildings. Often, church members have good links with the wider community and – along with other residents – can be a lifeline to identify and support those with limited mobility.
DOWNLOAD THE RURAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS TOOLKIT
For information about printed copies of the toolkit please email alison.selwood@arthurrankcentre.org.uk.
Rural Table Talk Church & Community
Rural Table Talk is a conversational game that creates space for the big (and not so big) questions of life The Ugly Duckling Company.
We have created two Table Talk minis with an introduction and 15 questions which can be used either in a Church or Community setting. Contact officeadmin@arthurrankcentre.org.uk to order yours!
Download the resource
Rural Isolation and Loneliness: A toolkit for rural churches was launched in 2014 when ARC produced a report for churches to use to support loneliness and isolation within their communities.
The toolkit has recently been updated and refreshed – there is also a version available in the Welsh language here.
Print your own pledge cards!
Pledge cards were designed to encourage individuals to make a difference in their community e.g. saying a hello to a neighbour, volunteer, bake a cake, etc.
The pledge doesn’t have to be overwhelming rather something simple and achievable. Write the pledge and keep it in a visible, prominent place.
Print yours by downloading our PDF here.
Thank you to our funders: the Yorkshire Churches Rural Business Support, National Lottery (Awards for All programme), In Light Trust and Roger and Douglas Charitable Trust who have supported our work from the first pilots, to the development of our webpage and suite of resources.
For any further information about the printed resources or the project please contact Alison Selwood alison.selwood@arthurrankcentre.org.uk and if you would like to make a donation to towards our work, please use our donate form.
HOW HAVE OTHERS BENEFITED FROM USING THE TOOLKIT?
Click on the images below to view YouTube videos of our Yorkshire pilot projects, where the Rural Isolation and Loneliness toolkit has been used to benefit each of the rural communities.
Kirkbymoorside Parish, Yorkshire - Teddybears Picnic
Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Parish, Yorkshire
