This week marks Loneliness Awareness Week 2021, an annual event that encourages people and organisations to come together to raise awareness around the topic of loneliness, which is more crucial than ever before.
Over the past 15 months many people have struggled with loneliness, especially older adults who may have spent the majority of the last year isolating, unable to see family and friends or having to cope with losing their loved ones.
Loneliness Awareness Week takes place from 14th to 18th June and this year the event was aimed at encouraging people to talk. Let's Talk Loneliness has issued some advice as we encourage people to not suffer in silence:
Due to the events that have taken place recently the Leeds United Foundation have worked harder than ever to stay connected to the older generation in our local communities, engaging them in online sessions where possible and reaching out to them in times of need.
The club’s official charity have created two different programmes, with sessions taking place on a weekly basis that specifically support older adults that may be suffering with loneliness - helping them to socialise through online means each week with a variety of interactive activities to take part in.
Sporting Memories takes place every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 2:30pm, and the sessions currently take place online via Zoom giving participants in attendance the chance to talk to other people, reminisce about the history of Leeds United and the club they love so much. The sessions will eventually take place face-to-face at Elland Road, once it is safe to do so, and for any supporters that would like to sign up it is free of charge. The programme is aimed at people over the age of 50 and all of the sessions are also dementia friendly.
Fit Generations takes place every Monday from 2pm to 3pm, also online via Zoom with this initiative based around tackling loneliness and supporting fitness levels for older supporters in the community. The sessions involve low impact exercise options, usually chair-based, to help participants with building strength and improving their balance. This programme is also free of charge to anyone that would like to join, with the sessions aimed at people over the age of 60.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information around any of the Mental Health and Wellbeing programmes being delivered through the Leeds United Foundation, please contact [email protected].
