In Worcestershire, we are pretty good at making people feel connected.
Worcestershire has the second lowest rate of loneliness in England according to the Active Lives Survey from Sport England.
Loneliness is more than just a feeling, research shows it affects all aspects of your health and can even contribute towards an early death.
At Christmas, people can feel even more lonely. So this year, please reach out to a friend, relative or neighbour and check in with them for a quick cuppa and perhaps even a mince pie.
If you feel lonely or isolated, take a look at our dedicated Loneliness and Isolation webpages. Here you can find local services and opportunities to help you connect with others and things to do to help you feel less lonely.
Tackling loneliness on a big scale is important to us and we need organisations to get involved.
Any organisation in Worcestershire can sign up to our Stay Connected pledge. It’s a commitment organisations are encouraged to join and take some simple steps to bring people together and feel less alone.
Our Public Health team have also just launched the Stay Connected Community Grant. Community-based organisations can apply for funding between £250 and £2,500 to create or expand activities that support people who may be experiencing loneliness.
You never know, by working together, we may just end up being the least lonely county in England.
Find out more about the Stay Connected pledge by visiting The Stay Connected Community Grant webpage.
We are celebrating Worcestershire through the whole alphabet this month.