Work to tackle loneliness across the borough has been recognised in the New Years Honours list.
The council’s Loneliness Champion, Helayna Jenkins, has been awarded an MBE for services to tackle loneliness. Helayna joined Bromley in 2022 as the council’s first Loneliness Champion and has been working hard ever since to tackle loneliness at all levels.
The news follows on from the council’s commitment in 2019 to address loneliness head on as a key strategic local priority, followed by the launch of the council’s innovative Tackling Loneliness Strategy in 2022 which tackles the problem through a widespread multi partnership network.
Initially, over 200 voluntary groups, partners and stakeholders contributed to the co-production of the strategy, underscoring the huge buy in and interest of so many people to make a change for the better across Bromley.
In 2023, the Tackling Loneliness summit brought together a range of groups, agencies and individuals in support of the council’s national and international leading initiative.
Councillor Diane Smith, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health said, “We are absolutely delighted with this fantastic news for both Helayna herself as well as the borough and its resident’s that the groundbreaking work she has been championing has now been formally recognised in such an amazing way.
“Well done Helayna and thank you once again for bringing the scheme and its vision to fruition in the way that you have.
“Seldom has an award been as well deserved in my opinion."
“We know there is still much more work to be done in this constant battle, with loneliness affecting so many people as it does, young and old alike, and I know that heartfelt congratulations will also be offered to Helayna by the many voluntary groups that have worked tirelessly alongside the council and its partners under her stewardship in recent years.
“I would take this opportunity to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to all of them as well, it really has been a fantastic team effort.”
The initiatives have included:
- Funding an online directory of more than 1,000 activities and groups to help residents and front-line professionals find events and clubs to aid social interaction.
- Delivering a training programme to enable staff to recognise those at risk of experiencing loneliness and empowering them to help.
- Leading a Christmas card scheme that has seen over 12,000 cards made by young people and delivered to people experiencing loneliness and isolation over a 3 year period
- Working with Bromley libraries to help bring people together for groups and activities.
- Funding initiatives to help combat loneliness through Friends of Parks groups as part of the Bromley Platinum Jubilee Parks fund.
Since the launch of this work, data from the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework, England, 2024-25 shows that Bromley has moved to first place amongst all London Boroughs for residents stating that they have as much social contact as they would like.
More information about Bromley Council’s work in this area, along with resources for those experiencing loneliness or those wishing to learn more can be found at www.bromley.gov.uk/loneliness.
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For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Head of Public Affairs Officer, on 020 461 7670 or email Andrew.Rogers@bromley.gov.uk.