Published: Tuesday, 16th June 2020
This week is Loneliness Awareness Week (15-19 June), when people and organisations join together to raise awareness of loneliness. In west Norfolk there is a place to go for support.
Lily, which is managed by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, helps people who are feeling lonely or isolated by supporting them to connect to organisations that can help in the area. Lily also has a local online directory containing around 3,000 listings.
Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, deputy leader at the borough council and cabinet member for culture, heritage and health, said: “Loneliness Awareness Week is a great reason to remind people about the support that Lily can give them in the local community.
“The Lily online directory is available to everyone aged 18 or older. It lists organisations, services and activities that help improve mental wellbeing, combat loneliness and social isolation in adults of all ages.
“The asklily.org.uk website features activity guides that have socially distanced suggestions on how to interact with each other safely and ideas on activities you can try.
“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic the directory has been updated and, although not everything can be done how it was in the past, there are ways to stay in touch and help people who feel isolated and lonely."
The Lily online directory lists many organisations that can help during Loneliness Awareness Week including:
- Chit chat for everyone - Any conversation is welcome, their enthusiastic volunteers oversee the phone line and social media all week and are committed to having a friendly discussion with anyone who reaches out.
- Health & Mental Wellbeing - Lots of organisations are listed that can help with mental wellbeing during the pandemic. There are live webinars exploring how to look after mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- The Silver Line Helpline - A confidential, free helpline for older people that is open every day and night of the year, offering information, friendship and advice.
- Adult Learning Coffee and Chat - Free sessions where you have the chance to chat and find out what online courses are available.
Lily has a strong focus on community development, by:
- Helping groups to arrange activities and encouraging volunteering.
- Providing small grants to community groups.
- Providing support for employers, schools, and colleges to help them tackle loneliness.
For more information visit www.asklily.org.uk or call the council information centre on 01553 616200.