Winter can be a bleak time as we escape the cold by huddling together in the warmth indoors. It is especially bleak for those many elderly people who have to do so alone.
Loneliness and social isolation affects a staggering number of people, with over 9 million people in the UK across all adult ages – more than the population of London – describing themselves as either often or always lonely.
As well as the negative effect on an individual’s mental and physical health caused by this, it also bears a large economic cost.
Research has shown that disconnected communities could be costing the UK economy £32 billion every year.
Tackling this issue is of the utmost importance, and I believe we all have a responsibility at an individual, family and community level to identify people suffering from loneliness, and provide support to improve their health and wellbeing. This can be as simple as looking in on a neighbour or visiting an elderly relative, but can make a world of difference to them.
I am proud of the measures this government is taking to tackle this issue, including the Department of Health’s support for the rollout of a ‘digital toolkit’, developed by the Campaign to End Loneliness.
This ‘toolkit’ is designed for local commissioners, to support them in understanding and commissioning services to tackle loneliness and social isolation in their communities.
The government has, despite pressures on the public finances, also ensured continued free local bus travel across England for older people. This helps our older citizens to remain mobile and maintain active social lives.
The Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness is also doing fantastic work on this issue, and for the first time Members of Parliament, policymakers and more than a dozen leading organisations have come together to expose the growing crisis of loneliness and find ways to overcome it.
There is only so much though that can be done at the governmental level, and it is work done locally within communities that provides the biggest respite from loneliness.
The unsung heroes running local community groups, social clubs and charities provide help and a sense of community to many of our residents.
My Senior Citizens Fair, which I will shortly be running for the second time, brings all these organisations together, helping raise awareness of services, groups and fun activities people might not be aware are available in their community.
I am proud to be running it again and look forward to seeing some of you there on Friday, March 23 at the Sleaford New Life Conference Centre on Mareham Lane, from 9.30am until midday.
In the meantime, if there is anything I can do to help, or you would like to be involved in the Senior Citizens Fair, do please get in touch with my office.
Dr Caroline Johnson is the Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.