Liz Barton-Jones, Head of Health and Wellbeing at the Foundation of Light explained why the injection of funding into the Extra Time Hubs is so important, “Since the launch of the Extra Time Hubs last year, we have provided weekly face to face support to over 50 older people from across Sunderland. The group are really engaged and enjoy taking part in a range of activities including seated exercise, easy pilates, indoor bowls and even boxing. We have come to realise that for some, our weekly get togethers are a lifeline.
“COVID-19 has had such an impact on everyone’s lives, but for some older people in our communities, it meant they become even more isolated as a result of missing out on regular social interactions as clubs and community groups were cancelled.
“Throughout lockdown we have continued support our members and maintain their connection with their communities; be it through a telephone call, delivering an activity booklet or even standing at the garden gate to have a quick socially distanced catch-up over a cup of tea.
“The Tackling Loneliness Together project allows us to continue that work and we are grateful for the funding we are receiving from the EFL Trust and Department of Culture, Media and Sport. It allows us to continue our life-changing work of bringing our communities together to support some of the most vulnerable.”
Mary Egglestone from Seaham has regularly attended Sunderland’s Extra Time Hub and has found it very beneficial.
“One of the biggest things I’ve got out of being in the group is meeting new people, trying different activities, enjoying various sporting activities and most of all having a laugh and a bit of fun.
“Whenever anybody new appears everybody makes them welcome. The thing that springs to mind, when thinking of any activity, is the laughter and fun we always have. The group continues to evolve. I thoroughly recommend it and it’s such a bonus to be linked with Sunderland AFC.”
Talking about the national effort to tackle loneliness, Mike Evans, Chief Executive Officer of the EFL Trust said, “We are proud to have been chosen to be part of this vital mission to support the older people in our communities. We see this as an endorsement of the great work that our club community organisations have done in this area and we know there is so much more that our network will achieve.
“Our Health and Wellbeing team are working hard to match the expertise of our network to the communities where it is most desperately needed and we continue to work with DCMS, NHS, Public Health England and other agencies to ensure we can all build back better after COVID-19.”
The Foundation of Light and the EFL Trust will also join a number of charities and businesses across the UK taking part in the government’s Tackling Loneliness Network, leading the charge against loneliness. The group will explore ways to bring people together to build strong community spirit, with a focus on groups at particular risk of loneliness, and will work to continue these initiatives in the future.
If you would like to take part in the programme or know a family member or friend who would benefit from the service, please register your interest here 
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