Ageing well in Southend on Sea How the voluntary sector can help …

AT SAVS …

Prevalence of loneliness Over half of all people aged 75 and over live alone 59% of adults over 52 who report poor health say they often feel lonely Two fifths of older people say the television is their main company 63% of adults aged over 52 or over who have been widowed, report feeling lonely some of the time or often

Loneliness Is bad for our health Poses an equivalent risk for early death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day Increases the risk of high blood pressure Increases risk of cardiovascular disease Increases risk of dementia Lonely people are: More likely to smoke and drink alcohol More likely to be overweight and have poor diets More likely to skip medication

“I have regained a measure of freedom and independence I was afraid I had lost”

A get-together in the FLU hub

How lives have changed … “Folk Like Us has helped me a lot.  Get a feeling of wellbeing being there.  It has opened a lot of doors for me knowing what help and support is available”.    “I needed something to do other than stay in my flat once my husband died.  Now I have the and it makes such a difference.” “I don’t know what it is, but there is something at the back of my mind knowing that you are there and I find that very comforting.” “It’s really nice to connect with people that are in a similar situation to me; they have knowledge and contacts which are helpful to me.”

How the VCS can help befriending schemes/home visits lunch clubs/social clubs/discussion groups exercise classes support groups for carers advice and information peer support helplines

Civil Service Pensioners Alliance Cedars Centre PierTalk Interchurch Caring for the Elderly and Disabled Southend & District Pensioners Campaign Group Club 50+ South East Essex Advocacy for Older People St Davids Lunch Club Age Concern Southend Jewish Care Salvation Army Over 60’s Club Southend Older People’s Assembly U3A

Alison Semmence CEO SAVS asemmence@savs-southend.co.uk 01702 356001