Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils partnership to reduce loneliness among older residents with events in Eye, Hadleigh and Sudbury

A joint council effort will aim to tackle and reduce loneliness among older residents.

The efforts will include a variety of events across Mid Suffolk and Babergh districts.

The events are designed to help tackle social isolation in rural communities and will be taking place throughout October.

Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh council cabinet member for people and place, said: “We recognise that social interaction is vital for health and wellbeing.

“It is a sad statistic that, according to Age UK, around four million people aged 65 and over living in England say they feel lonely.”

The first event will take place on October 4 at Kingfisher Leisure Centre, in Sudbury, and will include a presentation detailing the life changes of a Suffolk resident diagnosed with early-onset dementia, followed by games with pupils from Thomas Gainsborough School.

The event is led by Silver Sunday, a national campaign focusing on loneliness among older people, first set up in 2012.

Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: “I’m thrilled that Silver Sunday events will be happening right across Mid Suffolk.

“It gives everyone a chance to make new connections with different generations which will not only help fight loneliness but improve the wellbeing of those taking part and foster pride in our district.”

Other events will be happening on:

October 5, at Ansell Momeries Cafe, in Hadleigh.

October 13, in Eye.

October 17, at Finborough Court Care Home.

October 29, at Needham Market Football Club.

These will include anything from a Rock n Roll theme party to sing-alongs and even football matches.

Cllr Saw continued: “Silver Sunday offers us all the chance to show how much we value and appreciate the older generation and all they do for their local communities.

“I’m delighted to see such a variety of celebrations taking place across Babergh, in partnership with some wonderful local groups.”