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New scheme to tackle loneliness to launch in Lancaster shopping centre

Thursday, 11 January 2024 11:22

A new scheme which aims to tackle loneliness is to launch in a Lancaster shopping centre.

Lancaster Against Loneliness, is a new scheme intended to support the Lancaster community and will be hosted by Marketgate Shopping Centre with support from Age UK Lancashire, St Thomas’ Church and The Friendship Centre Lancaster.

Set to launch next Monday (January 15) the opening will coincide with Blue Monday, widely recognised as the most depressing day of the year.

The initiative aims to address loneliness within the community by welcoming locals to visit the centre for a chat and a warm drink.

Lancaster Against Loneliness invites individuals of all ages to join the drop-in sessions that will take place every Monday from 1pm to 3pm.

Attendees can engage in conversations with volunteers and the wider community. These free weekly sessions will be located within the Ping Pong Parlour unit, located near M&S and Waterstones.

Various member of the team at Marketgate Shopping Centre will generously volunteer their time to host these sessions, accompanied by representatives from Age UK Lancashire, St Thomas’ Church and The Friendship Centre Lancaster. Partnering with local services allows the centre to guide individuals to additional services and local groups that can provide support for those experiencing feelings of isolation.

Sarah Harrison, Centre Manager of Marketgate Shopping Centre, commented: “We understand how difficult times are at the moment, especially when you’re feeling isolated, that’s why we have decided to launch Lancaster Against Loneliness. All our volunteers are friendly and we’re all looking forward to welcoming anyone that wants to pop in for a chat.”

Anne Oliver, Community Engagement Manager, said: “It’s great that Age UK Lancashire are involved in this fantastic community initiative as we know the importance of tackling loneliness, particularly during January.

‘’We will be on-hand to support and advise on our services such as Digital Support, Good Day Calls and Scams Awareness.”

Representatives from Age UK will be in attendance to advise of the services they offer as well as support members of the public on Monday January 15 and Monday January 22.

A spokesperson from St Thomas’ Church mentioned: “We are delighted to be involved with Lancaster Against Loneliness. St Thomas’ Church has already established itself as a centre for various groups dedicated to addressing loneliness, such as the well-received Thursdays at St T's, Lyrics and Lunch and our developing Family Life Centre work.

‘’We look forward to building our current groups through our collaboration with the Lancaster Against Loneliness scheme.”

Volunteers from St Thomas’ Church will attend the sessions regularly alongside The Friendship Centre Lancaster, a charity specifically for over 55’s, which meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings using the Baptist Church Halls on Robert St.

If you would like anymore information about this scheme, you can visit the community page on the Marketgate Shopping Centre website or email info@marketgatelancaster.co.uk

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