Offering loneliness support

There is evidence to prove a direct link between social isolation and feeling lonely, which has an impact on reduced physical and mental health.

There is evidence to prove a direct link between social isolation and feeling lonely which has an impact on reduced physical and mental health. These feelings can happen at any age but it’s important to know you can get help and loneliness support.

At Ongo we have regular activities taking place in our Retirement Living schemes to offer loneliness support, such as chair based exercise sessions, craft afternoons, coffee mornings and even trips to local events and venues. You don’t have to live in one of these schemes either – anyone over the age of 55 is more than welcome to attend. Just give us a ring and we can point you in the right direction and advise you what we have going on.

In addition, there are events such as the annual Dine and Dance which takes place for our older tenants and every year we hold a Christmas party for our tenants who will not see anyone on Christmas Day.

Social isolation does not just affect older people though, younger people can become socially isolated too. Take a look at our helpful activities below to see how we can help.

Understanding loneliness

Two older people sit together. They are smiling. They are wearing jumpers.

Known effects

Some of the most commonly known effects of social isolation are:

  • Generally decreased feeling of vitality, less energy and feeling tired more often
  • Greater likelihood of chronic illness such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc
  • More frequent bouts of sickness, such as colds or flu, and longer recovery times
  • Longer recovery times from injury
  • Regular feelings of loneliness
  • Increased likelihood of depression
  • Decreased level of happiness and satisfaction with life in general
  • Shorter life spans.
Two people are holding hands and dancing. They are looking at the camera. One is wearing a waistcoat and a white shirt. One is wearing a black top.

Helpful activities

Through our loneliness support scheme, we can help you find something to do. This could include:

  • Being an Ongo volunteer and helping out at one of our events.
  • Getting involved with our Dine and Dance sessions; they are so much fun and you will meet people who are in a position similar to yourself
  • Coming along to our annual Ongo Carnival, held in Scunthorpe
  • Attending Barton’s Viking Resource Centre, or The Arc, and taking part in one of the many events held there.

We can also make referrals to some of our partner agencies such as local Wellbeing Hubs, Age UK or leisure centres and libraries to name just a few.