New network aims to combat loneliness in the Borough

A new network aimed at combating loneliness across Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area has been launched.

Delegates from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors were among those who attended the launch of the initiative in Larne Market Yard, which heard their collective focus includes raising awareness of loneliness, sharing best practice and learning on ways to prevent and address the issue, and encouraging championing of tackling loneliness in the locality.

Mayor Councillor Maureen Morrow, who was also present, delivered the opening address to the Ending Loneliness Conference, which was organised by Council in conjunction with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The event heard from Dr Brian Hunter of Cullybackey Health Centre, Council Officer Alison Diver, who spoke about the Growing Communities project, Mary McCarthy of Glenravel Older and Wiser Women Group, Peter Merlarkey from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Adam Hamilton of Carrickfergus YMCA.

The Mayor said: “Loneliness has become a universal social and public health issue impacting on people at various ages and stages of life. Research suggests isolation and loneliness are as harmful to our health as obesity and smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“Loneliness can affect anyone from teenagers and young adults, new parents, carers and recently bereaved, students at university, older people, people of all ages moving to a new area for a new job or house, older people and those with disabilities.

“Therefore it is a very positive development that we are now seeing the work of the various agencies who are committed to tackling loneliness across our Borough. I am confident that the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network will be a significant step forward in this and look forward to hearing how the network progresses.

“Tackling loneliness is a message which also resonates strongly within ‘Putting People First’ – Mid & East Antrim’s Community Plan – which has five key themes, of which Community Safety & Cohesion are a central feature. These are important themes of the Plan, as we work together to ensure Mid & East Antrim is a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community.

“In addition, Council’s corporate plan has a theme of Building Stronger, Safe and Healthy Communities. We want everyone who lives here to feel welcome, safe, respected and celebrated. Events such as today’s are important and significant to Council as we continue to ‘Work Together to Create a Better Future for All.”

The onset of loneliness can often happen at a time of transition, for instance unemployment, chronic illness, bereavement (loss of a partner or peers) and retirement.

Young mums and those with diminished social networks can also experience loneliness as well as carers. The loss of a spouse or partner is said to be one of the biggest predictors of loneliness in older people.

Sabrina Lynn from the Northern Trust added: “The launch of the Mid and East Loneliness Network is an important development in our aim of preventing and addressing loneliness. As part of Community Planning arrangements the Network will work together to increase social opportunities for people living in the Borough with the purpose of promoting their health and wellbeing.”