Enfield Asian Welfare Association launches new project to combat loneliness, writes Chetna Shah

Two-fifths of all older people say the television is their “main company”, according to charity Age UK.

Nine million people in Britain say they are “always or often lonely”, according to the British Red Cross and Co-op’s Loneliness Action Group.

Loneliness increases the likelihood of death by 26%, according to the Campaign to End Loneliness.

In 2018, Enfield Asian Welfare Association (EAWA) celebrated its 20th year of working with the local elderly community. The above statistics are the reason we are launching our Social Hub Project, which will find isolated older people and offer them a chance to meet with others to go shopping, have coffee, or eat a meal together, and participate in local activities.

This project will allow such people to connect and bring them back into community life, rather than them being left alone. We will approach people from sheltered homes, libraries, coffee shops, post

offices, and similar places. Once groups are formed, we will find out from the groups what activities they prefer and offer opportunities accordingly.

We are currently fundraising for this project so that it can become a reality – and the Co-op has selected Social Hub Project so that it can be supported by its members. When a Co-op member shops at a Co-op supermarket, 1% of what they spend on branded products and services can help fund community projects.

Now, as part of your regular shop at Co-op, if you are a member, you can nominate Social Hub Project to receive funds until November. Or, if you want to become a Co-op member and nominate us, that would be a bonus!

Please help isolated older people from being lonely.

For more information about Enfield Asian Welfare Association and how you can support the Social Hub Project:
Call 020 8443 1197
Email [email protected]
Visit eawa.org.uk

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