Friday 19 January 2018

Why a Minister for Loneliness?

By Les May


MOST of us have felt lonely at some time in our lives but last year a commission found that nearly nine million people in this country either often, or always, feel loneliness.  So when Theresa May said a few days ago  'I want to confront this challenge for our society and for all of us to take action to address the loneliness endured by the elderly, by carers, by those who have lost loved ones — people who have no one to talk to or share their thoughts and experiences with',  I think she should be applauded.

For once it's right to say 'throwing money at the problem isn't the answer'. Giving money is the easy bit.   Giving time is the thing that is hard.  Ultimately the success of this initiative is going to depend on the willingness of volunteers to do just that.

Recently I met an enthusiastic young woman working in a building society who has decided not to let her university education in Art and Drama go to waste and who is giving up some of her free time to use these skills to help others gain the confidence to interact with others.

You can see something of what she is trying to do at the Rochdale Apna Ghar KYP centre on Wednesday 31 January 2018 at 6pm. (01706) 630 140 and info@kyp.org.uk

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