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

3. AT SAVS …

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. A get-together in the FLU hub

8. 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.”

9. 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

10. 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

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