Date issued: 24 May 2019
Loneliness is a painful emotion, with one in 20 adults* in the UK describing themselves as feeling lonely. Colchester Borough Council is taking steps to tackle this issue, by launching a new scheme to encourage people to come together and get talking.
CAFE ‘Colchester and Friends Events’ will launch with its first event on Monday 3 June, 10am to 12noon at GO4 Café, The Old Pavilion, Recreation Road and then every Monday after that. The free event is aimed at people struggling with isolation and loneliness who would like to meet for refreshments and a friendly chat.
Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “Loneliness can affect anybody at any time. It’s not just the elderly and most often includes carers, those with poor mental health and young mothers. I’m really pleased that we’re launching this new scheme and that it supports the aims and objectives of the Livewell initiative. I hope that by bringing people together, we can help people be better connected to the communities they live in.”
All kinds of venues are being encouraged to sign up to hold CAFE events, opening their doors for two hours once a week, to allow people to come in for refreshments and a chat. The project will be rolled out at other venues throughout July.
Everyone is welcome at the launch event at GO4 Café, from 10am to 12noon. For more information on CAFE, visit colchester.gov.uk/cafe. You can follow CAFE at Enjoy Colchester on Facebook and @YourColchester on Twitter.
Page last reviewed: 24 May 2019