Haringey Loneliness Awareness Week launch recognises groups and volunteers
Dan Rogers CEO of Public Voice, lead partner in the delivery of the Reach and Connect service, welcomed everyone and set the scene by sharing that a third of referrals to Reach and Connect are for social isolation, which is why the service wanted to acknowledge the importance of local grass roots groups that bring people together.
The Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Sue Jameson, spoke about how loneliness can affect anyone and that we were there to recognise the important role individual volunteers play in supporting people to maintain their connection in the community.
Groups receiving awards were Haringey Walk Leaders, Tottenham Talking, Salvation Army Wood Green, Lordship Hub, Reader Leaders in Libraries, The Artful Codgers, Polish and East European Community Seniors Group and SGV Cancer Support. Individuals who were acknowledged with a Loneliness Awareness Week Award were Bob Brown a Hub Host in Supported Housing and Madeline Campbell who set up Coffee & Donuts at Tottenham Community Sports Centre.
A delicious cake was enjoyed as everyone chatted in the summer sunshine making new connections.
“Thank you also for the award given to the Wood Green Seniors Group - I will be presenting it to the group on 18th June and we will take a moment to thank and applaud the volunteers. You organised a really wonderful event at Bruce Castle. I know the amount of work that goes into something like that, and you made it look effortless. Everything was perfectly done, and you even managed to involve the Mayor of Haringey. I was really impressed by what you were able to achieve.” Major Paula Knight
“Good event today and thanks for detaining people to network over a delicious cake - very nice touch!” Haringey Over 50s Forum
“What a wonderful event you organised on Friday - All the Walk leaders in attendance were thrilled to receive their certificates and the recognition of the outstanding work they do.” Anita Yiannoullou, Haringey Walk Leader Coordinator
“I was so happy to be there, thank you so much! It was a fantastic day and I met a lot of wonderful people”. Bob Brown, Hub Host
“The event showed how a little can mean a lot and I was really impressed with how many people attended. Well done”. Councillor John Bevan
