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Community Spirit Fights Isolation in Rural Village
19 Apr
Summary
- Loneliness affects young adults and seniors, not just the elderly.
- A village group combats isolation with social events and support.
- The initiative aims to connect residents and provide practical help.

Loneliness is a growing concern that impacts a wide range of age groups, including young adults and seniors. In the North Yorkshire village of Embsay, a local initiative called Embsay and Eastby Good Neighbours (EEGN) has been instrumental in tackling this issue since its founding in 2016. The organization, run entirely by volunteers, offers a variety of services designed to combat isolation and foster community connections.
EEGN supports residents through a weekly coffee morning, regular social events, and a befriending scheme where volunteers visit those in need of company. They also provide practical assistance, such as transportation to medical appointments and help with minor household tasks. These services are vital in a village where residents may have family living far away or no family at all, making it difficult to admit to feelings of loneliness.