A campaign to end loneliness is being launched in the Fens as part of a national drive to help those who feel isolated.
More than seven out of 10 people in the district say they have struggled with loneliness at some point in their lives, according to statistics.
Now, free discussion events have been set up across the area for anybody who wants to attend.
• Monday October 16 at 10.30am at Wisbech Queen Mary Centre.
• Wednesday October 18 at 7pm at Peterborough City College.
• Friday 20 October at 10.30am at Ely Cathedral conference centre.
• Tuesday October 24 at 2pm at Peterborough St Mary’s Church.
• Friday October 20 at 10.30am at the Ely Cathedral Conference Centre.
Andy Nazer, campaign manager for the Campaign to End Loneliness, said: “There is some great work happening to tackle loneliness amongst older people – and we are delighted to be part of this.
“But, as our research shows, there is still much to do to end loneliness, thanks to the sheer scale of the problem in Cambridgeshire.
“The health impacts of loneliness are devastating; it is as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and worse for you than obesity.
“Most worrying, however, is the widespread view more likely than ever - that loneliness is inevitable. We’re here to challenge that.
”The Campaign to End Loneliness says that the stigma of loneliness is isolating thousands of people in Cambridgeshire as it launches its work in the area.”
Seven out of 10 people in Cambridgeshire have suffered with loneliness, while nine out of 10 believe loneliness in older age is more likely than ever - with 60 per cent saying that admitting to loneliness is difficult, the group’s figures show.
Nine in 10 people in the county believe loneliness in older age is now ‘more likely than ever.’
More than eight out of 10 over-65s in Cambridgeshire say they would find it hard to admit to feeling lonely because they do not want to be a burden to others.
The campaign and its partners invite local communities and people to get involved with free discussions on loneliness, and how Cambridgeshire can tackle it
• It is free admission and all are welcome. No booking required. For information email info@campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk or call 01954 211919.
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