The Rt Honourable Stuart Andrew MP has applauded Bromley Council for its tackling loneliness strategy in a video address at the borough’s Tackling Loneliness Summit.
The video message from the Minister for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil Society expressed how impressed he was with Bromley’s borough-wide approach to helping those experiencing loneliness from every walk of life.
The Tackling Loneliness Summit, held on Friday, at the Civic Centre, brought together both national and local organisations to share experiences and initiatives for tackling loneliness.
Cllr Mike Botting, Mayor of Bromley and the borough’s Loneliness Member Champion, also spoke at the event. He comments: “I am proud of how Bromley has responded to the challenge of tackling loneliness with a strategy in place that aims to reach every corner of the borough. Loneliness can affect anyone at any stage of their life, and without warning, so it is important that our strategy has the potential and scope to reach anyone and everyone.
“It is wonderful to see so many partners and organisations here today, sharing success stories and learning to enable us all to be more effective in tackling loneliness, both in the borough and beyond.”
Cllr Botting was joined in speaking at the event by the Leader of Bromley Council, Cllr Colin Smith, Portfolio Holder for Adult Care and Health, Cllr Diane Smith, and Bromley’s Principal Loneliness Champion Helayna Jenkins, among others.
Cllr Diane Smith, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health said, “We at Bromley Council, with our partners, want people to feel they are able to have conversations about loneliness and aim to enhance ways that they may re connect with neighbours and communities, pointing them towards support and also in the direction of the many groups and activities that flourish within the borough. I would like to thank residents, our LBB staff, our voluntary sector, faith and friends groups, as well as health and social care partners, charities, and the emergency services as well as Ward Councillors for their on going and active support, in delivering our multi agency action plan to tackle loneliness within Bromley.”
Robin Hewings, Programme Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness, attended the event to offer a UK-wide viewpoint. Bromley-wide initiatives were shared by organisations including Bromley Council, Orpington Primary Care Network, Bromley Football Club, Bromley Goodgym, Mytime Active and Bromley Well.
Bromley’s loneliness strategy 2022-2026 features a host of initiatives to reduce loneliness, assist those experiencing loneliness and empower people to take action if they recognise someone who may need support.
These initiatives range from employing a Principal Loneliness Champion to lead the work on the strategy and training staff to spot those who may be at risk, to funding an online directory of activities and groups, and creating a guide to accessible transport that makes travel to such groups easier.
More information about Bromley’s tackling loneliness strategy, along with useful information if you are lonely or know someone experiencing loneliness.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs, on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.