With loneliness and isolation a growing concern, particularly in rural areas, an event is being held in west Suffolk in a bid to help tackle the problem.
The county is already home to the Rural Coffee Caravan initiative, which connects people in rural communities by providing support and refreshments.
And now an ‘Older Persons’ Information Fair’ is set to take place in Bury St Edmunds next month with the aim of providing help on a range of issues affecting the older generation.
It is being hosted by Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill at the Apex, on Friday, December 1, following the success of a similar event in Stowmarket last year.
The idea is to provide an opportunity for would-be service-users to meet relevant service providers and community groups operating in the area. In addition, people who can provide advice on well-being, health, safety and crime prevention have also been invited.
Each organisation will display posters and leaflets outlining what they have to offer. According to the event’s organisers, the stalls will have interesting activities and fun elements. For example, there will be a ‘tech corner’ giving hands-on tech advice provided by Realise Futures as well as some scam prevention role-play organised by Suffolk Trading Standards and their counterparts. The fair could also offer a chance for people to find some suitable volunteering opportunities.
The organisations attending will cover a range of issues such as health, transport, befriending schemes, arts, older persons’ fitness, gardening schemes, police and fire safety, adult learning groups and volunteering networks. The Rural Coffee Caravan, which continues to connect individuals and organisations in rural locations will also be there.
Mrs Churchill said: “We had a great event in Stowmarket last year bringing people and providers together. The event in Bury is building on this success of informing everyone about where help and advice is available as well as some of the fun things going on in and around Bury.
“Loneliness and isolation is a growing issue in society and this is a chance for people to enjoy a drink and chat.”
There will be free refreshments and everyone will receive a warm welcome - and a cuppa.
The fair will run from 10.30am to 1pm on Friday, December 1.
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