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Holmes Chapel Mothers’ Union visit from Fiona Bruce MP
Practical solutions to tackling social isolation and loneliness.
Fiona Bruce MP was invited by local Mothers’ Union member Christine Jones to a recent meeting of Holmes Chapel Mothers’ Union to talk about Social Isolation and Loneliness. In addition to hearing from Fiona, the group also workshopped with her, in a session led by Branch Secretary, Carole Elliott, practical local solutions to tackling loneliness, particularly though not exclusively amongst older people.
After the discussion Fiona Bruce said, “We agreed there are a remarkable number of members’ groups and societies in and around Holmes Chapel with varying interests which could help counteract loneliness if members are proactive about inviting others to join them.”
A recent survey conducted on behalf of the Department for Culture Media and Sport found that only 23% of people said they never feel lonely with 6% of adults saying they often or always felt lonely.
Speaking after the meeting Fiona Bruce added “As a member of the Mothers’ Union myself – Middlewich Branch - it was a pleasure to be invited to speak to and hear from the members of Holmes Chapel Mother’s Union. Loneliness is one of the greatest challenges in our society at the moment affecting both physical and mental wellbeing right through the generations and the Government Strategy on Loneliness launched last year seeks to tackle the challenges of loneliness across society. Measures include allowing GPs to practice ‘social prescribing’ to direct patients to community workers and releasing public funding to help increase the number of community spaces, but one of the key messages which came out of our interesting and constructive discussion was how much we can all do to help each other in our daily lives.”
Photo shows Fiona Bruce MP at the event with (second from right) Christine Jones and (second from left) Carole Elliott and other members of the Holmes Chapel Mothers’ Union.