Loneliness Awareness Week

It is well reported that, in the UK, loneliness is a difficulty common amongst older people.

Millions of people over the age of 70 have reported they often go months without speaking with others, and over 130,000 residents of Suffolk have also reported feelings of loneliness.

Social isolation is, unfortunately, very easy to come by for those living alone.. This is particularly the case for those who have retired and are no longer a social part of their family.

Geoffrey Inett, an attendee of the Foundation’s Senior Blues programme, shared his thoughts on the topic.

“I retired a couple of years ago,” he said.

“I found myself feeling a little bit lonely. I’m no longer meeting people all the time, so I thought the Senior Blues session is somewhere that I can begin to interact with people, which is a nice thing.”

Various mental and physical health difficulties are often linked to loneliness, with the launch of Senior Blues aimed at providing a welcoming space for older people to interact with those in similar situations, thus improving mental and physical wellbeing.

“It’s a nice atmosphere with lots of interesting people who have lots of knowledge,” Geoffrey added.

“You can really learn a great deal from people which is terrific.”

As well as holding Senior Blues sessions at Portman Road, the Club is also proudly partnered with Suffolk Mind, a mental health charity based in the county, with a proportion of their work focusing on combatting loneliness. The charity actively promotes the need for social interaction, with Senior Blues an excellent way to build these relationships.

Geoffrey, who also comes to Portman Road to watch Town games, enjoys the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a keen Town fan or know nothing about the them, with activities like quizzes and games also available. It’s just an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours with people.”

Senior Blues sessions run every second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the Hall of Fame restaurant at Portman Road. Drinks and snacks are provided to attendees.

Those wishing to get involved with Senior Blues should email Leanne Smith, the Foundation’s Community Engagement Officer, on leanne.smith@itfc.co.uk.