Christmas is a fantastic time to spend with our loved ones, enjoying time together and celebrating the festive season.
But, sadly for some within our communities Christmas can highlight their loneliness and isolation from those around them.
One million people in the UK experience social isolation, which sadly contributes to poor mental and physical health.
Elderly people especially often find themselves in this situation; retired from work, no longer playing sport or widowed, too many are lacking the social connections that so many of us enjoy.
So, for the older generations in our community, drinking a cup of tea with friends can be as important as playing a game of bowls or taking part in a game of walking football.
Research shows that for every ยฃ1 invested in tackling loneliness, ยฃ3 can be saved in health costs. And simply taking part in at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity, can lead to people to develop improved confidence and overall wellbeing.
Thatโs why this Christmas, we want to raise ยฃ30,000 to support vital programmes for over 55s who are isolated from their communities.
All money raised from Give a Quid campaign this December will go towards projects that provide a balance between physical and social activity and help everyone have a chance of enjoying a happier and healthier 2020.
How you can help:
Thereโs lots of ways you can help.
- Donate today via JustGiving to help support our life changing work.ย ย
- Download our helpful toolkit.ย
- Hold a fundraising event such as a bake sale or Red and White themed day.
- Or simply help us spread the word by printing off one of our posters and posting pictures on social using the hashtag #FoLGiveaQuid.
Weโll share the best to show people across the world that the North East really does care about its communities.