Project tackling loneliness in Newham

September/October 2023

To tackle loneliness and social isolation in Newham, our colleagues in the Community Neighbourhood Link Worker team have launched three fantastic pilot projects this month: Chatty Benches, Chatty Cafés and Men in Sheds (pictured). Part of the ‘Be Connected’ programme,these initiatives aim to encourage residents who are experiencing loneliness or isolation to seek connections within spaces they feel most comfortable.

It is hoped the action will also inspire people to support others within their community, by simply taking the time to stop and connect. So far, more than 30 businesses and organisations have all pledged their support to tackle loneliness in the borough!

Figures show one in five adults in the borough feel lonely ‘often’ or ‘always’ – that is more than 70,000 people. (Loneliness rates, ONS 2021) Although loneliness is not always visible, it forms a significant part of many people’s lives; some people can go for days, weeks or even months without speaking to another person.

To find out more about the Be Connected programme and how to get involved visit www.newham.gov.uk/BeConnected