With the government appointment of the first ever Minister for Loneliness this week, which will see new strategies put in place to raise awareness and combat loneliness and isolation across the UK, Leeds Rhinos Foundation are one charity extending their provision to offer social opportunities for over 55s in Leeds.
Tracey Crouch MP, who was appointed on Wednesday by Prime Minister Teresa May to work with the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, will build on the legacy of the former MP for Batley and Spen, Jo Cox by working with businesses and charities, to tackle a problem that affects more than nine million adults in the UK according to reports.
Through research undertaken by the commission, other recommendations include developing a wider strategy on the issue, gathering more research and statistics and providing funding for more community groups to start activities which connect people.
In recognition of the problem, Leeds Rhinos Foundation have been working for over a year with the Morrison’s Foundation to provide weekly ‘Rhinos Active Social’ groups at Emerald Headingley Stadium, a provision which was extended to a second site on 10th January, with a further group starting in February.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation Health Improvement Officer Laura Buckle said:
“We have been providing a free social group for over 55s for over a year now to combat loneliness and isolation amongst the older generation in Leeds.
“The passing of this new appointment by the government to shed further light on the issue is a very positive move which will hopefully see more charities and businesses play a role in reducing the serious impact chronic loneliness can have on health and well-being.”
Thanks to funding from the Morrison’s Foundation, the charity opened it’s second community hub at the O.P.A.L Welcome In Community Centre in Tinshill last week, with a third group starting at the St Cyprian with St James Church in Harehills on 23rd February.
The free provision offers a weekly group activity alongside an opportunity for members to simply come along for a chat and some refreshments, providing a regular social hub for over 55s in the local community.
With activities such as ballroom dancing, tai chi, chair exercise, table tennis, Zumba and a range of other instructor led sessions the group delivers something for everyone according to Laura Buckle.
“We have a real range of attendees on our Rhinos Active Social groups from people who want to do some light exercise and join in with the activities to people who simply want to come and enjoy the relaxed and social atmosphere and speak to other members for a couple of hours each week,” she said.
“Jo Cox will always be remembered in Leeds as a pioneer for social change and her legacy will continue for years to come, so we are delighted to play just a small part in combatting loneliness and encourage more people to come along to our new groups this year.”
For more information on Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rhinos Active Social Programme contact Laura.Buckle@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
Rhinos Active Social are available from the following locations:
– Tuesday 10am-12:30pm at the Cardigan Centre. 145-149 Cardigan Road, LS6 1LJ
– Wednesday 10am-12pm at O.P.A.L Welcome In Community Centre, 55 Bedford Drive, LS16 6DJ
– Friday 10-12 at St Cyprian with St James, Coldcotes Avenue, Harehills, LS9 6ND (Starting February 23rd 2018)
If you would like to see what Rhinos Active Social is all about, take a look at our video from our group at the Cardigan Centre in Leeds