Stay Connected Pledge – Tackling Loneliness in Worcestershire
Tackling loneliness has always been a priority in Worcestershire and now more than ever, we recognise there are people of all ages who are feeling lonely.
That is why we have signed the ‘Stay Connected’ pledge. This initiative by Worcestershire County Council Public Health shows residents that as a council we are committed to tackling loneliness and supporting people to stay connected.
By signing up to the pledge, we want to ensure our activities are inclusive, welcoming and provide an opportunity for people to connect with others. As well as this, we will encourage other organisations to do the same.
Read more about the pledge and the organisations signed up so far.
If you are feeling lonely, there is support available. Worcestershire County Council’s Loneliness and Isolation page provides help and information for all ages.
Help to improve your health
Health and wellbeing information and advice is available on the Worcestershire County Council website. Topics covered include alcohol, being active, dementia, diabetes, healthy eating, loneliness, mental health, smoking and more.
The Your Life, Your Choice website is also full of information and advice to help you stay well and independent. There is also information about support available in the community, as well as care services for older people and adults with disabilities.
Be active
Being active is really good for your body, mind and health.
Being physically active everyday can help to maintain a healthy weight and improve sleep. It can also prevent a range of physical and mental illnesses and diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, depression and anxiety and reduce or delay physical limitations in later life.
The Chief Medical Officer recommends the following guidelines for how much physical activity you should be doing:
- under five-year-olds: at least 180 minutes per day
- 15-18-year-olds: at least 60 minutes per day
- 19-64-year-olds: at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week in bouts of 10 minutes
- 65-year-olds and older: 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week in bouts of 10 minutes
The Government has produced a guide to what physical activities meet the guidelines on its website.
You can use the Change 4 Life A to Z of sports and activities to find a sport or activity that is right for you.
You can also use the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire Activity Finder to find a session near to you.
Health Walks are a great way of keeping fit and socialising.
Cycling is a fantastic way to keep active. Find out more information on our Cycling page.
Wychavon Wellbeing
This is a 12 week programme aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people with certain conditions. This includes asthma, diabetes, mild depression, mild to moderate arthritis, obesity, osteoporosis, poor mobility, stable hypertension and stress.
You must be referred for these sessions by a GP, practice nurse or community health professional.
Read more about Wychavon Wellbeing.
Falls Prevention
Falls are a major issue in Worcestershire, particularly for those aged 65 and over. Falls often result in fractures and stays in hospital.
Simple changes to your lifestyle can reduce the risk factors associated with falling. This includes eating healthily, drinking plenty and moving more.
Read more about Falls Prevention.
Funding
If you are looking for funding for a health and wellbeing project then you may be able to apply for money from one of the organisations below:
- Music Grants for Older people – Concertina
- Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
- Peter Harrison Foundation
- The Steel Charitable Trust
- Football Foundation's Grow The Game Scheme
- Allen Lane Foundation
- Pilgrim Trust - Social Welfare Grants
- The Yapp Charitable Trust
- Will Charitable Trust
- Wakeham Trust Grant
- Barchester Healthcare Foundation
More information
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