Christchurch residents will have the chance to pick up free flower bouquets hidden around the town during Loneliness Awareness Week (10-16 June).
The 10 bouquets will be accompanied by a note from Christchurch Community Partnership (CCP) urging residents to give them a good home, or donate them to a friend or neighbour who might be lonely.
Loneliness is a particular challenge in Christchurch. In a recent survey of over 50 local organisations conducted for CCP’s Christchurch Conversation report, loneliness and isolation were identified as one of three key issues in the town, alongside mental health and financial hardship. Christchurch also has the highest proportion of people aged 65-95 in Dorset, who can be particularly affected by loneliness – the 2018 Hidden Dorset report found that 1 in 20 adults in Dorset reported feeling lonely or isolated, but that number increased to 1 in 10 amongst older adults.
CCP works in partnership with other organisations in Christchurch to tackle social isolation and loneliness, by providing transport, social activities and enabling services that allow people to reconnect to their local community.
The theme for this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week is ‘random acts of connection’, which encourages everyone to increase those simple, everyday moments of connection that help people to feel happier and less lonely.
CCP Chief Executive Rev Sandra Prudom said: “We hope the flower bouquets will in a small way allow people in Christchurch to reconnect, and to think about friends or neighbours who might struggle to get out and see others.
“Loneliness can have a real impact on physical health – in fact, it’s as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day – but simple acts can make such a difference. At CCP, we provide services that allow isolated people to reconnect with others, and we would urge people in our local community to think about how they might connect with those around them who might be isolated too. And for those who have a little time to spare, even just a few hours a month, please do also get in touch with us to find out more about volunteering opportunities at CCP.”
The flower drop has been organised with the kind support of Fairmile Florist. Find them at St Catherines Parade, Fairmile, Christchurch or visit www.fairmileflorist.co.uk to order online.
To learn more about CCP, visit www.christchurchcommunitypartnership.org.uk or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CCPbh23
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