Loneliness and the feeling of isolation can be tough for many people, but the pandemic has made life much harder to socialise and connect. Whilst technology provides an opportunity to connect for the younger generations, this sadly has not been an option for many elderly people during the pandemic.
The Watering Can are delighted to have partnered with ‘Liverpool Cares’ as part of their ‘Social Clubs’ programme. The programme brings together groups of older and younger neighbours for friendship around Liverpool.
Matched ‘Friends’ have proved to be a lifeline and enhanced the quality of life of those enrolled on the scheme often building deep and mutual friendships over time that helps to bring a little of the outside world inside for our neighbours who often struggle to find companions to socialise with. Many older people find opportunities for socialisation reduced in later life and the pandemic has exacerbated this problem.
On 28th June, The Watering Can, set within 12 acres of Victorian park space, will provide their beautiful space for up to 30 people currently enrolled on the ‘Social Clubs’ programme providing unlimited free tea and coffee and a slice of cake, in the stunning surroundings of Greenbank Park. Owner Keith Perryman said “Phil, my partner, and I have both watched our widowed mums battle with isolation and loneliness during the past year. Liverpool Cares is an amazing community support group and we are honoured to be able to welcome them to our café. The added bonus for those who are able will be a little wander around the beautiful Victorian park which is in full summer bloom. Our team are really looking forward to meeting the friends of Liverpool Cares and hearing all of their tales.”
Liverpool Cares seeks to address this blight of disconnection in our connected age by harnessing the people and places around us for the benefit of all. Liverpool Cares objectives are to:
· Reduce isolation and loneliness amongst older people and young professionals alike.
· Improve the connection, confidence, skills, resilience and power of all participants so neighbours can feel part of our changing city rather than left behind by it.
· Bring people together to reduce the gaps across social, generational, digital, cultural and attitudinal divides.
Loneliness is not just a later life problem, whilst the ‘loneliest’ group in the UK are 75+, the second and third loneliest groups are 21-25 and 25-35, which is why this scheme has so much to offer to both the younger and older generation alike in shared time experiences.
If you would like to make a referral for an older neighbour or if you are under 65 and would like to get involved in the scheme please contact Liverpool Cares directly by using the following links: https://liverpoolcares.org.uk/contact – www.liverpoolcares.org.uk
The Watering Can, 64 Greenbank Road, Greenbank Park, Liverpool. L18 1HQ
Telephone:- 0151 319 2366
