As the population ages, the number of people experiencing chronic and severe loneliness is increasing and Newhaven based Community Transport Charity, CTLA, is pleased to be the newest supporters of the National Campaign To End Loneliness.
Research on interventions that reduce loneliness found they led to:
• Lower use of medication, fewer GP visits, lower incidence of falls and reduced risk factors for long term care.
•Fewer days in hospital, physician visits and outpatient appointments.
•Fewer admissions to nursing homes and later admission.
CTLA operate a travel club with free membership and service users have praised the outings – giving feedback including;
“It was my first social engagement for almost two years and I was a little apprehensive but my fellow travellers were friendly and considerate and the driver extremely helpful.”
“I have not been registered very long, but you are a lifeline for me as I have no family and limited mobility.”
“I was been stuck at home, alone, day after day, with too much time on my hands and just worrying about things. I have made wonderful friends and joining was the best thing I have ever done.”
For more information on the campaign go to :
http://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/