Social Isolation
Rural isolation is a challenge that impacts the lives of many people living in Gloucestershire.
In 2015, Gloucestershire County Council stated that social isolation accounts for 64% of referrals to Social Prescribers in the Forest of Dean alone. The Campaign to End Loneliness consider loneliness to be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, stating it can lead to ongoing physical and mental health conditions, increased blood pressure and puts individuals at risk of cognitive decline.
Crossroads are working tirelessly to overcome the barriers that can create social isolation. We are running a range of services that can relieve isolation, they include:
- Active Living
- Day Centre
- Active Living at Home
- Befriending Service
- Gents Pub Lunch
- Ladies Lunch Group
- Skittles Group
- Memory Café
- Friendship Groups
- Social Activities
- Dog Days Social Group
Follow the link to find out more information about each group or contact Crossroads if you would like more information about joining these sessions.
There is evidence to suggest that reducing rural and social isolation can improve the health and wellbeing of people living in our community and can prevent deterioration of health in the future.
Please contact Crossroads Gloucestershire for more information about this service.