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Bolton Charity Marks 30 Years of Fighting Loneliness
20 Dec
Summary
- Project started 30 years ago to combat social isolation.
- Partnerships expand services for mental health support.
- Christmas Day dinner offered to combat festive isolation.
A project established by volunteers in Bolton is marking its 30th anniversary of providing crucial support for adults facing mental health challenges and social isolation.
Founded three decades ago with the aim of organizing coffee mornings to combat loneliness, the initiative has expanded its reach. In 2018, it partnered with Family Action, also collaborating with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust and MhIST. This has enabled the offering of services like the Listening Lounge for crisis support and the Living Well service for those not qualifying for community mental health intervention.
Despite facing personal battles, individuals like Alison Byrne, Michelle, and Zuber Ahmed have found lifelong friendships and life-changing support at BAND. The project remains open throughout the festive period, offering Christmas Day and Boxing Day dinners, a vital service as surveys indicate significant isolation and stress among the population during Christmas. Other charities across the UK also offer similar support during the holidays.
