How is The Salvation Army tackling loneliness and isolation?

Lyn Woods finds out how corps and centres are tackling loneliness and isolation in their communities.

Bangor Befriending 

Befriending Coordinator Julia Gillen

'The service – which has been running for more than 10 years – visits lonely and isolated people aged 65 and over. It’s been steadily growing, with 28 befrienders and 54 befriendees currently.

'Some befrienders take on more than one befriendee, some phone each other regularly, and some have requested just to receive cards. Two prayer befrienders pray for everyone, and cards are sent for birthdays, Easter and Christmas. A befriender could be the only face a befriendee sees in a week, and a cup of tea and a chat help alleviate loneliness. Friendships develop and visits can continue indefinitely.

'To celebrate Befriending Week (1–7 November), we provided lunch for everyone. It was lovely seeing people come together, get to know each other and celebrate befriending. Events like this also help reduce isolation by bringing people out of their usual surroundings and providing opportunities to socialise and feel part of a group.

'It’s a pleasure to help people in my community who would otherwise be lost or forgotten. The befrienders look forward to each visit and get so much out of the friendships they make.'

Wrexham Friends on Friday

Community Programme Manager Brian Manford

'Our Friends on Friday group meets regularly and occasionally gets out and about together on trips. Soup and Share and Knit and Natter are fairly new additions and were commenced to help with issues of isolation and loneliness. Both groups provide opportunities for conversation.

'We assist with problems people may have and, rather than having to eat alone, it’s great to share food, conversation and laughter around the table with others. We have a good team who make the soup and endless cups of tea and coffee. It’s a highlight of the week for many.

'We also run a weekly lunch club. We share a thought and prayer, so for many it’s their church, and there are opportunities for pastoral care and generally checking in. There’s always laughter and fun and a lovely sense of family.'

Shotts Families’ days

Children and Family Worker Marlyn Spence

'We run our families’ days throughout the year. They are organised by me, other corps members and the young people who attend our groups.

'Activities include eating together, which we feel is very important and helps foster health and wellbeing. Alongside this, we enjoy days out, planting, litter-picking, games, crafts and action songs. We promote inclusivity by ensuring there’s something suitable for everyone, no matter their abilities or needs. People of all ages and from different walks of life come together, and this helps strengthen social bonds and build social connections.

'We work hard to try and bridge the generation gap by enabling various people to organise activities for others. For example, the older generation has taught the younger to knit and crochet. This helps break down barriers and reduces isolation for everyone.

'All these things combined allow for quality family time. People come along and enjoy activities together, as well as taking opportunities to build new relationships with other families.

'We aim to create a safe space for all, where everyone feels valued, safe and welcomed. We hope to create networks and bonds where all who attend can feel a sense of belonging.'

Boston Starfish

Starfish Coordinator Sarah Robinson

'For some of our mentees, Starfish is the chance to spend time on a one-to-one basis with someone, knowing they will be listened to.

'Our team includes seven mentors, who currently mentor 11 young people aged between 9 and 16 over two primary schools and one secondary school. We’ve been operational for the past academic year and have schools waiting for mentors!

'One young mentee expressed the desire to practise football skills. Their mentor, Ruth Quinell, duly took them outside to kick a ball around. The relationship they built provided a safe space to discuss feelings around family breakdown.

'Another mentee was overwhelmed by worries and anxiety and was terrified about moving to secondary school. Craft activities, cake decorating and patient conversation provided them with space to learn to smile once again. I recently heard about how well they settled into their new school.

'Ultimately, whether it’s supporting young people as they juggle big feelings, or whether it’s giving them the confidence to approach the transition to secondary school or face GCSEs, Starfish is giving mentees a judgement-free environment to express worries and feelings and find a way to move towards a happier frame of mind.'

• Find out more about Starfish.

Nottingham William Booth Memorial Complex Music Man Project

Community Mission Manager Ian Young

'Our site comprises the William Booth Birthplace Museum and William Booth Memorial Community Centre and one other, currently unused, building. I November, our complex was the latest to introduce the Music Man Project, after a fabulous taster session led by David Stanley and the ambassadors in May. We plan to hold monthly sessions from December.'

Regent Hall Heart of Westminster Café

Community Engagement Lead Emma Neill

'Our community engagement work has grown and developed over the past four years. Our Welcome Hub is open three days a week as a warm space, offering hot drinks and a team of listening volunteers. We also run a project that offers opportunities to connect and build relationships with residents from the local Peabody estate. This includes picnics, lunches and concerts, as well as support around safety linking with the police.

'Partnering Age UK Westminster, we host regular coffee mornings and have developed a well-attended memory café project, which has been running since May 2022. Older People’s Services supported this by providing dementia awareness sessions for 11 of our team.

'We invited the people coming to the sessions to choose a name for it, as a means of participating and taking ownership. They chose the Heart of Westminster Café. Sessions are creatively therapeutic, working with local art gallery outreach teams and music schools. This is a much-valued time for those attending.'

• Find out more about Warm Welcome Spaces.