Councils help to tackle loneliness for older residents

26/09/23

Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils are once again supporting the Silver Sunday campaign

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are joining forces with local groups to help tackle loneliness for older residents, by bringing generations together for free sing-alongs, games and fun.

The councils are once again lending their support to the Silver Sunday campaign, designed to help tackle the issue of social isolation, particularly for older residents in rural communities.

Silver Sunday first took place in London in 2012, but is now recognised nationally, with hundreds of events now taking place across the country – including five in Babergh and Mid Suffolk.

Local events will see students from Thomas Gainsborough School join members of the Sporting Memories group for games at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, plus a rock n roll themed party hosted by the Ansell Memories Café at the Ansell Centre in Hadleigh.

Young people from Eye Local Opportunities group will be joining residents at Hertismere Place Care Home for an intergenerational sing-along and stories, with a similar event at Finborough Court Care Home for local schoolchildren later in the month.

The final event of the month is being hosted by Needham Market Football Club and involves Needham Market Sporting Memories group and Stowmarket and District Dementia Community Group, with mixed age matches featuring grandparents and younger family members.

Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh District Council cabinet member for people and place, said:

“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.

“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.

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

Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said:

“I’m thrilled that Silver Sunday events will be happening right across Mid Suffolk, hosted by groups that always do such important work in our communities.

“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.”