Project Brighton: ‘No-one should be lonely’ campaign tackles loneliness at Christmas in Brighton & Hove

Impetus, the Brighton and Hove charity dedicated to providing befriending, advocacy and support services to vulnerable adults, have launched their new 2016 Christmas campaign to help tackle the issue of loneliness and isolation in Brighton and Hove, for Christmas and at all times of the year.

The facts speak for themselves:
• 44,294 people in Brighton and Hove are living alone
• 70% of the people Impetus help tell them that isolation is the most difficult aspect of their life
• Loneliness and isolation makes us more prone to depression and can be as damaging to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day

This is the first campaign appeal that Impetus has ever undertaken and the ‘No-one should be lonely in Brighton and Hove’ campaign aims to highlight the fact that there will be a significant number of elderly but also vulnerable people in Brighton and Hove spending Christmas alone this year.

Jo Ivens is the CEO of Impetus: “Loneliness can have a devastating impact at any time of year. But as Christmas approaches and families plan their festivities, we will be working with some of the most isolated and vulnerable people in our city. We are urging people to use their phones to donate £5 to our appeal, it’s really easy to do and will make such a big difference.”

Now Meet Dorothy. Dorothy came from a big family, with six big brothers. Dorothy, with her husband, had two daughters and a foster son, and they all belonged to brownies and cubs and she was a member too. They all used to go camping and everyone mixed with everyone. “It was fun and great company – it was all we needed”. But that was a long time ago…

Dorothy is now a widow and in her 90s and doesn’t see much of anybody anymore. She used to speak to her brothers every day but there’s only one left now. “It’s not a life I like” said Dorothy. “I’ve got plenty to do all day but it’s not much fun on your own. I liked it when I could get out into the garden and see the neighbours but now I don’t see anybody. Nobody likes to be lonely or live on their own. My family is depleting and I sit here thinking what am I doing on my own. I don’t have a family to visit me.”

Dorothy’s voice brightens when she talks about the lady from Impetus who comes to see her every day for an hour. “We have a cup of tea, chat and have a laugh about old times, talk about the grandchildren. We discuss things and understand each other. We have a good natter and a laugh. She’s lovely and I so enjoy her visiting me”.

Here are some things you can do to help Impetus ensure “no one is lonely in Brighton and Hove” this Christmas:
• Donate – Text the word CONNECT to 70060 to give £5 and help us ensure no one has to be lonely this Christmas – and throughout the year.
• Be a good neighbour – check on your neighbours this Christmas time. Why not drop round some mince pies, invite them in for a cuppa or just let them know you care.
• Volunteer – become a volunteer with Impetus and help people in your local community feel less isolated and happier.
• Fundraise – get your friends together, put on an event, do something silly for sponsorship; every penny really does count.
• Spread the word – help us make the campaign come alive by championing us on social media and in your own networks. The more people that know about us, the greater impact we will have – get liking and sharing!

Impetus’ committed volunteers are trained to befriend people, to visit them and listen to them, to offer advice and a friendly ear, to give them confidence and hope.

For more information or to volunteer go to www.bh-impetus.org