PUBLISHED: 10 AUGUST 2022

Charity Launches New Service to Reduce Loneliness for Local Families

Local Charity East Staffordshire Family Support Service, Harvey Girls and Dads4Dads have launched a new service ‘Thinking Differently: Bringing Communities Together’, aimed at reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation for families.

The Charity, based in Burton upon Trent, have over 17 years of experience in supporting the whole-family through a range of services and activities, for residents living in East Staffordshire, South Derbyshire and surrounding areas.

Support offered through the new service is free of charge, with the objective of enabling people of all ages at any time in their lives to feel safe, well and connected to their community.

Aimed at supporting families who are more vulnerable and less connected to community networks, families who are supported by the service will be assigned a ‘Family Link Worker’ who works with them throughout their journey of support.

Ian North, Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘The support we offer through this service will make a sustainable and significant difference in creating a more resilient community.

‘Our service aims to reduce loneliness and isolation for all people of all ages, at any time in their lives.

‘As a Charity, our approach has always been about working with families in a restorative way: we do it with people, not to people. We believe it’s not all about ‘Attachment Theory’ and blaming the parents.

‘Our support comes at a vital time when an increasing number of families are unsure where to turn for help.

‘We empower families to make positive sustainable change and be resilient, productive members in our community.’

The ‘Thinking Differently: Bringing Communities Together’ service is funded by University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) Charity, who were awarded half a million pounds by NHS Charities Together (NHSCT) to work with community and voluntary groups across Staffordshire to help to tackle loneliness and social isolation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

East Staffordshire Family Support Service, Harvey Girls and Dads4Dads are one of fourteen community groups and projects from the Staffordshire and Stoke Integrated Care System (ICS) who have received grant funding to help address the issue of loneliness and social isolation.

Lisa Thomson, Director of Communications and Charity at UHNM Trust, said: ‘Data shows that almost half of all adults experience some degree of loneliness in their lifetime and this has been made worse by the pandemic.

‘It’s thanks to the hundreds of thousands of people that got behind NHS Charities Together’s Covid-19 appeal and of course the incredible fundraising efforts of Captain Sir Tom Moore that we are able to work in partnership with community and voluntary groups to tackle loneliness and isolation in our region.’

Families living in East Staffordshire, South Derbyshire and surrounding areas who are feeling lonely or isolated are encouraged to get free support from the new service, to help them reconnect with their community.

Anyone can enquire or make a referral to ‘Thinking Differently: Bringing Communities Together’. This can be done by telephoning the Charity’s ‘Connect Line’ on 07841 485866, or by email at [email protected]

Families can connect with East Staffordshire Family Support Service, Harvey Girls and Dads4Dads on social media – Search ‘East Staffordshire Family Support Service’ on Facebook or visit facebook.com/ESFSS